Hezbollah, meaning “Party of God” in Arabic, is a prominent Shia Muslim political and militant group based in Lebanon. For decades, it has been a central actor in the turbulent landscape of the Middle East, marked by its complex relationship with Israel and significant influence within Lebanese politics. Understanding Hezbollah requires delving into its origins, its evolving objectives, its leadership, military capabilities, and the intricate web of support and opposition it garners both within Lebanon and internationally. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Hezbollah, exploring its multifaceted nature and lasting impact on the region.
The Genesis of Hezbollah: Resistance and Ideological Roots
Hezbollah emerged from the crucible of the Lebanese Civil War and the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Born from Shia militias resisting the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, the group officially announced its formation in 1985, articulating a clear ideological platform. Initially, Hezbollah’s core aims were centered on establishing an Islamic government in Lebanon and, most emphatically, dismantling the state of Israel. This foundational ideology positioned Hezbollah as a staunch adversary of Israel from its inception.
AFP A masked demonstrator waves a flag of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah during a demonstration
Alt text: A masked Hezbollah demonstrator waves the group’s flag during a public demonstration, showcasing their political presence in Lebanon.
Hezbollah’s military actions against Israeli forces are widely credited within Lebanon for contributing significantly to Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, ending an 18-year occupation. This event is commemorated in Lebanon as Resistance and Liberation Day, a national holiday, underscoring the perceived role of Hezbollah in achieving this milestone. However, even after the Israeli withdrawal, Hezbollah maintained its armed presence in southern Lebanon, resisting calls to disarm. The group, along with the Lebanese government, disputed the completeness of the Israeli withdrawal, citing unresolved border areas as still being under occupation. This ongoing tension ensured that sporadic clashes with Israeli forces persisted along the border.
Decades of Conflict: Hezbollah and the Confrontation with Israel
The uneasy truce was shattered in July 2006 when Hezbollah launched a cross-border attack, resulting in Israeli casualties and triggering a large-scale Israeli military response. The ensuing 34-day war inflicted heavy casualties and widespread damage in Lebanon, with over 1,125 Lebanese fatalities, predominantly civilians, alongside 119 Israeli soldiers and 45 civilians killed. This conflict underscored the volatile and deeply entrenched animosity between Hezbollah and Israel.
In the aftermath of the 2006 war, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 was unanimously adopted, aiming to establish a lasting ceasefire and buffer zone. The resolution called for the disarmament of non-state armed groups in Lebanon and their withdrawal north of the Litani River, approximately 30km from the Blue Line, the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel. This area was intended to be exclusively controlled by the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers. Despite declaring victory in the 2006 war, Hezbollah did not comply with the disarmament provisions of Resolution 1701 and instead significantly strengthened its military infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Lebanon has consistently accused Israel of violating Resolution 1701 through persistent military overflights of Lebanese territory.
Furthermore, Hezbollah has continuously expanded and modernized its arsenal, benefiting from substantial Iranian support in funding, training, and weaponry. This external assistance has enabled Hezbollah to develop a military force that, in some respects, surpasses the capabilities of the Lebanese national army. While Hezbollah revised its political manifesto in 2009, dropping the explicit call for an Islamic government, it reaffirmed its unwavering rejection of any compromise with or recognition of Israel’s legitimacy, solidifying its enduring stance against the Israeli state. Hezbollah’s fighters have also gained extensive combat experience through their involvement in the Syrian Civil War since 2013, where they have fought in support of President Bashar al-Assad’s government. Beyond its regional activities, Hezbollah has been accused of orchestrating various bombings and plots targeting Jewish and Israeli interests internationally.
Leadership and Structure: Guiding Hezbollah’s Trajectory
Alt text: Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time Secretary-General of Hezbollah, delivering a speech in a file photo, highlighting his influential role.
Hassan Nasrallah served as the Secretary-General of Hezbollah from 1992 until his reported death in 2024. Nasrallah was a pivotal figure in Hezbollah’s transformation into both a formidable military force and a significant political actor in Lebanon. He commanded immense respect among Hezbollah’s followers and maintained close ties with Iran, particularly with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite his public profile as a prominent and influential leader in the Middle East, Nasrallah had largely withdrawn from public appearances in recent years due to security concerns and the threat of Israeli targeted assassinations. Following Nasrallah’s reported death, Naim Qassem, his deputy, was announced as the new leader of Hezbollah in late October. Other notable figures within Hezbollah’s leadership have included individuals like Hashem Safieddine, who was also reportedly killed in Israeli attacks.
Assessing Hezbollah’s Military Strength
The precise military strength of Hezbollah is difficult to ascertain, particularly in light of claimed recent conflicts. Reports suggest that Hezbollah sustained significant losses in infrastructure, weaponry, and personnel during escalations. Prior to these reported setbacks, Hezbollah was widely regarded as one of the most heavily armed non-state military organizations globally.
Alt text: Hezbollah fighters participating in a funeral procession for a commander in Beirut, demonstrating their military presence and organizational structure.
In 2021, Hezbollah claimed to possess a force of 100,000 fighters, although independent estimates typically range between 20,000 and 50,000. Before recent conflicts, estimates indicated that Hezbollah’s arsenal included between 120,000 and 200,000 rockets and missiles, as reported by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The majority of this arsenal is believed to consist of short-range, unguided artillery rockets. However, Hezbollah is also thought to possess more advanced weaponry, including anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, as well as precision-guided missiles capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory.
Political Influence and Domestic Support in Lebanon
Hezbollah’s role extends beyond military operations into the political sphere of Lebanon. While deeply divisive within the country, Hezbollah has exerted considerable political influence. It has held seats in Lebanese cabinets since 2005 and operates a substantial network of social services, including schools and healthcare facilities, enhancing its grassroots support. Public perception of Hezbollah within Lebanon is sharply divided, often along sectarian lines. Historically, Hezbollah has enjoyed strong support among Shia Muslims, who often view the group as a legitimate resistance force against Israel. Conversely, many non-Shia Lebanese, along with critics internationally, view Hezbollah with skepticism or outright opposition, often citing its militant activities and designation as a terrorist organization by numerous countries.
In conclusion, Hezbollah is a complex and influential actor in the Middle East. Originating as a resistance movement, it has evolved into a powerful political and military force in Lebanon with a lasting impact on the region, particularly in its protracted conflict with Israel. Understanding Hezbollah requires acknowledging its historical context, ideological underpinnings, military capabilities, and intricate web of political and social influence within Lebanon and beyond.
