Hezbollah

Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist political and militant group based in Lebanon. Formed in the early 1980s with the help of Iran, it initially emerged in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Over the years, Hezbollah has grown into a significant force, both militarily and politically, in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. It operates with a dual identity: as a political party, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament, and as an armed group, maintaining a powerful military wing.

Key Aspects of Hezbollah:

1. Ideological Roots: Hezbollah’s ideology is based on the principles of the Iranian Revolution, specifically the concept of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), which gives ultimate authority to Iran’s Supreme Leader. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, plays a central role in shaping its direction.
2. Iranian and Syrian Support: Hezbollah is heavily backed by Iran, which provides it with funding, weapons, and training. Syria has also historically supported Hezbollah, especially during the civil war, as the group has fought on behalf of the Syrian regime.
3. Role in Lebanon: Hezbollah is both a political and a military force in Lebanon. Its military wing has been involved in several confrontations with Israel, most notably the 2006 Lebanon War. Domestically, it provides social services, healthcare, and education, garnering significant support from Lebanese Shiites.
4. International Relations and Terrorist Designation: Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Canada, and many in Europe. However, some nations differentiate between its political and military wings, recognizing only the latter as a terrorist organization.
5. Hezbollah and Israel: Hezbollah has engaged in numerous clashes with Israel, including rocket attacks and guerrilla warfare, particularly in southern Lebanon. The 2006 Lebanon War between Hezbollah and Israel was a major conflict, with significant casualties on both sides.
6. Hezbollah’s Regional Role: In recent years, Hezbollah has expanded its influence across the Middle East, notably fighting in the Syrian Civil War on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad. It also has a presence in Iraq and Yemen, aligning itself with other Shiite militias.

Hezbollah remains a highly controversial group, seen by some as a legitimate resistance movement and by others as a destabilizing force and proxy for Iranian influence in the region.