Since its founding in 1982, Hezbollah has evolved from an insurgent militia to a decisive actor in Lebanon and in the region’s most significant conflicts, with strong ties with Iran and Syria
In the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, few organizations have gained such pronounced relevance as Hezbollah. What began in 1982 as a Shiite resistance movement against the Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon has transformed into an international actor with political, military, and social influence. Hezbollah not only plays a central role in Lebanese politics but has also extended its reach beyond its borders, intervening in regional conflicts such as the Syrian war and maintaining a defiant stance towards Israel.
What is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah is a shiite political-military organization founded in 1982 in Lebanon, emerging in response to the Israeli occupation of the southern part of the country during the Lebanese Civil War. Inspired by the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Hezbollah combines a strong armed resistance against Israel with active political participation in Lebanon and a wide network of social services. Supported by Iran and Syria, it is considered a terrorist group by some countries, while others view it as a legitimate resistance movement.
Its name, “Party of God,” reflects its foundation in Shiite ideology, inspired by the Islamic Revolution in Iran. It emerged as a response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War from 1975 to 1990 and has since evolved into a central actor in both Lebanese politics and regional conflict. Since its creation, Hezbollah has received military and financial support from Iran and Syria.
Organizational structure
Hezbollah has a hierarchical structure divided into several decision-making bodies. Among them, the most notable are:
- Shura council: Responsible for political and military decisions.
- Political council: Manages Hezbollah’s participation in the parliamentary system and political activities in Lebanon.
- Military structure: Has an armed wing that has been involved in numerous conflicts, particularly with Israel.
What is Shura?
Shura means consultation or council and has deep roots in Islamic tradition. This concept was used by the early Muslim communities for the election of leaders and important decision-making, such as the appointment of the first caliphs. In the context of contemporary religious-political groups, shura has evolved into a leadership council that reflects a form of collective or shared decision-making.
Ideology
Hezbollah’s ideology is primarily defined by its resistance to Israel and the defense of the interests of Shiite Muslims. In its 1985 manifesto, Hezbollah pledged loyalty to the Supreme Leader of Iran and committed to expelling Western influences from Lebanon, with a strong focus on the destruction of the State of Israel. While its long-term goal is the establishment of an Islamic state in Lebanon, it has adopted a more pragmatic approach in its political participation, respecting and engaging with the Lebanese democratic system.
Political and military activities
Hezbollah has integrated into Lebanon’s political system and has actively participated in elections since 1992, achieving significant representation in parliament. Following the 2022 elections, it holds fifteen seats, positioning itself as the most voted party, and it governs in coalition with Amal and other groups opposed to Israel. On the other hand, its military wing was the only one allowed to retain its weapons after the Taif Agreement of 1989. Reports indicate that Hezbollah is considered “the most heavily armed non-state actor in the world.” Its most notable conflict was the 2006 war with Israel, a month-long confrontation that had regional and international repercussions.
What was the Taif Agreement?
The Taif Agreement of 1989 was a treaty that ended the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). Negotiated in Taif, Saudi Arabia, it redistributed political power in Lebanon among Sunni, Shia, and Maronite Christian groups, reinforcing the governing system. It also called for the disarmament of militias, with the exception of Hezbollah.
In recent years, tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have intensified, often coinciding with conflicts between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The current situation has significantly worsened following the assassination of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Social participation
Hezbollah does not only focus on military and political activities; it also manages an extensive network of social services, including hospitals, schools, and aid programs, which has enabled it to gain popular support, particularly among the Shia communities of Lebanon. An example of this is the Jihad al-Bina Association, founded in 1988 with the aim of alleviating the effects of the civil war by rebuilding infrastructure and drilling water wells.
International designation and controversies
Hezbollah has been the subject of controversy due to its involvement in violent activities, including attacks against civilians both in Lebanon and abroad, as well as its military alliances with Iran and Syria. The organization has been designated as a terrorist group by several countries, including the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council. In this context, Saudi Arabia and the United States lead the Terrorist Financing Detection Center, established in 2017, aimed at disrupting financial flows to Iran-backed groups.
The European Union recognizes Hezbollah’s political wing but designated its military wing as a terrorist organization due to its involvement in a bombing in Bulgaria and its support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime. A year later, in 2014, Europol, along with the United States, formed a joint task force to combat Hezbollah’s terrorist activities within Europe. Additionally, the UN Security Council has called for Hezbollah’s disarmament in resolutions such as Resolution 1559, and UNIFIL’s mandate includes promoting its disarmament. Despite its international designation, some actors, particularly within the Arab and Islamic world and the Palestinian territories, view Hezbollah as a legitimate resistance movement.
What is UNIFIL?
UNIFIL is a peacekeeping mission established by the UN Security Council in 1978 with the goal of overseeing the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, restoring peace and international security, and assisting the Lebanese government in reestablishing its authority in the region. The mission has been renewed and expanded several times, especially after the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006. UNIFIL patrols the so-called “Blue Line,” a border drawn by the UN in 2000 to prevent territorial violations and reduce tensions between the two countries.
In summary, Hezbollah is a complex organization that combines political, military, and social elements. Its influence in Lebanon and the region is significant, and its role has generated diverse opinions and controversies at the international level. Understanding Hezbollah requires an analysis of its history, structure, and actions within the context of the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
