What is Hezbollah?

Introduction

Hezbollah, or “Party of God,” is a Shiite Muslim political and militant organization based in Lebanon. Founded in the early 1980s, Hezbollah has grown into a powerful force with significant influence in the region.

Hezbollah, known for its extensive security apparatus, political organization, and social services network, earning it the reputation of being “a state within a state.” The Iran-backed group was founded during the chaos of the fifteen-year Lebanese Civil War and is driven by its opposition to Israel and resistance to Western influence in the Middle East.

Due to its history of carrying out global terrorist attacks, parts of Hezbollah—and sometimes the entire organization—have been labeled a terrorist group by the United States and many other countries. In recent years, long-standing alliances with Iran and Syria have strengthened Hezbollah into a more effective military force, posing a significant challenge in potential future conflicts with its longtime enemy, Israel. However, as Lebanon teeters on the brink of collapse, Hezbollah officials and other leaders face public discontent, potentially diminishing Hezbollah’s political power.

Narrative and Existence

Hezbollah emerged during the Lebanese Civil War as a response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Its narrative is deeply rooted in resistance against Israeli occupation and defending the Shiite community in Lebanon. Hezbollah positions itself as a defender of Lebanon against external threats, primarily Israel, and as a provider of social services to the Shiite population.

Leadership

• Founders: Among the founders were Abbas al-Musawi, Hassan Nasrallah, and Subhi al-Tufayli.
• Current Leader: Hassan Nasrallah has been the Secretary-General since 1992, following the assassination of Abbas al-Musawi.

History

• 1982: Hezbollah is founded in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon.
• 1985: The organization issues an open letter outlining its ideological framework and objectives.
• 1992: Hassan Nasrallah becomes Secretary-General.
• 2000: Hezbollah is credited with the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
• 2006: The Israel-Hezbollah War, also known as the July War, results in significant casualties and destruction but boosts Hezbollah’s standing in the Arab world.
• 2012-present: Hezbollah plays a significant role in the Syrian Civil War, supporting the Assad regime.

Further- Hezbollah’s History

Independence and National Pact (1943)

Lebanon gains independence from French mandate and signs the National Pact, dividing power among major religious groups.

PLO Moves to Lebanon (1971)

The Palestine Liberation Organization relocates its headquarters from Jordan to Lebanon, influencing regional dynamics.

Beirut Embassy Bombings (1983)

Hezbollah is implicated in bombings targeting the U.S. embassy in April and barracks housing U.S. and French troops in October, leading to significant casualties.

Civil War and International Involvement (1975–1990)

Lebanon’s civil war escalates, involving various religious, political, and ethnic factions, and drawing in Israel, Syria, the United States, and other Western forces.

U.S. Embassy Annex Bombing (1984)

Hezbollah carries out a car bombing at the U.S. embassy annex in Beirut, causing numerous fatalities.

Manifesto and Israeli Embassy Bombing (1985)

Hezbollah releases its first manifesto and is accused of bombing the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires.

Nasrallah Assumes Leadership (1992)

Hassan Nasrallah becomes Hezbollah’s secretary-general after the assassination of his predecessor, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s leadership.

Taif Agreement (1989)

Lebanon’s parliamentarians convene in Taif, Saudi Arabia, signing an agreement to end the civil war and granting Syria significant influence over Lebanon.

International Attacks (1994)

Hezbollah is linked to car bombings at Israel’s London embassy and a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.

Hariri Assassination (2005)

The assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri triggers the Cedar Revolution, with Hezbollah later implicated by a UN tribunal.

War with Israel (2006)

Hezbollah abducts Israeli soldiers, sparking a monthlong war with Israel resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

Updated Manifesto (2009)

Hezbollah releases an updated manifesto, signaling a shift towards greater engagement in democratic processes.

Syrian Civil War (2011)

Hezbollah intervenes in Syria’s civil war, supporting Bashar al-Assad’s regime with thousands of fighters.

EU Designates Hezbollah (2013)

The EU designates Hezbollah’s armed wing as a terrorist organization following extensive deliberation among member states.

Discovery of Tunnels (2018)

Israel uncovers tunnels from southern Lebanon into its territory, alleged to belong to Hezbollah, escalating regional tensions.

Economic Crisis and Protests (2019)

Economic hardships lead to mass protests demanding political reforms, including calls for Hezbollah to relinquish power.

Qasem Soleimani’s Assassination (2020)

Hezbollah vows retaliation after a U.S. drone strike kills Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, intensifying regional tensions.

Beirut Port Explosions (2020)

A Beirut port explosion leads to investigations implicating Hezbollah-linked officials, sparking further domestic and international scrutiny.

Role and Impact

Hezbollah functions both as a political party and a militant group. It operates a network of social services, including schools, hospitals, and welfare programs, which has helped it gain significant support among Lebanon’s Shiite population.

• Political Influence: Hezbollah holds seats in the Lebanese Parliament and has ministers in the government.
• Military Influence: The group has a well-armed militia, often considered more powerful than the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Influence and Acceptance

Hezbollah’s influence extends beyond Lebanon, with significant involvement in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. It is supported by Iran, both financially and militarily.

• Supporters: Primarily Shiite Muslims in Lebanon and across the region.
• Opponents: Sunni Muslim groups, Israel, the United States, and many Western and Arab countries.

Location and Strength

• Headquarters: Beirut, Lebanon, with significant presence in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
• Strength: Estimates suggest Hezbollah has tens of thousands of fighters, with access to advanced weaponry including rockets, missiles, and drones.

Finances

Hezbollah’s funding sources include:

• Iranian Support: Estimates suggest Iran provides hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
• Donations: Contributions from the global Shiite diaspora.
• Illicit Activities: Involvement in smuggling, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

Goals

• Resistance against Israel: Hezbollah’s primary objective is to oppose Israeli influence and occupation in Lebanon and Palestine.
• Political Power: Maintain and expand its political influence within Lebanon.
• Shiite Community Support: Continue providing social services to gain and retain support among the Shiite population.

Arab League and GCC Designations

• Arab League: On March 11, 2016, the Arab League designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. This decision was recently reversed, indicating changing political dynamics in the region.
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): The GCC also designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in March 2016, reflecting the group’s contentious status among Arab states.

Hezbollah remains a complex and influential entity within the Middle East. Its blend of militant activities, political participation, and social service provision makes it a unique organization with a significant impact on regional dynamics. The recent decision by the Arab League to remove Hezbollah from its list of terrorist organizations highlights the ongoing shifts in regional alliances and political landscapes.