Hezbollah, the Lebanese-based Shi’ite Islamist group, has become a force to be reckoned with in the Middle East. Founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards during the Lebanese Civil War, Hezbollah has transformed from a shadowy faction into a heavily armed organization wielding significant influence within Lebanon and the region. While Western governments, including the United States, and Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states like Saudi Arabia designate it as a terrorist group, Hezbollah maintains a strong support base within Lebanon and has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape.
Hezbollah’s involvement in the recent Gaza conflict highlights its regional power and alliances. As a key member of the “Axis of Resistance,” an alliance of Iran-backed groups across the Middle East that includes Hamas, Hezbollah has shown solidarity with the Palestinians. Since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023, Hezbollah has engaged in cross-border warfare with Israel, firing rockets and deploying drones, while Israel has retaliated with air strikes and artillery fire. This escalation has displaced tens of thousands of people in both Lebanon and Israel.
Hezbollah’s military power has grown significantly since its founding. Unlike other groups that disarmed after the Lebanese Civil War, Hezbollah maintained its weapons to combat Israeli forces occupying the predominantly Shi’ite Muslim south of Lebanon. Their guerrilla warfare ultimately led to Israel’s withdrawal in 2000, but Hezbollah retained its arsenal. The 2006 war with Israel further showcased their military prowess, with Hezbollah launching thousands of rockets and demonstrating the capability to strike deep into Israeli territory. Today, Hezbollah boasts a large and sophisticated arsenal, including precision-guided missiles and surface-to-air missiles, and claims to have 100,000 fighters.
Beyond its military strength, Hezbollah has expanded its influence across the region. The group has provided support to other Iranian-backed groups, including Iraqi Shi’ite militias, and played a crucial role in assisting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian Civil War.
Within Lebanon, Hezbollah’s power is rooted in its military capabilities and the support of many Lebanese Shi’ites who view the group as a protector against Israel. Hezbollah has a strong political presence, with ministers in government and members of parliament. However, Lebanese political groups opposed to Hezbollah argue that the group has undermined the state and unilaterally dragged Lebanon into wars.
Hezbollah’s history is marked by accusations of involvement in attacks against Western interests. Lebanese officials and Western intelligence agencies have blamed groups linked to Hezbollah for suicide attacks on Western embassies and targets, as well as kidnappings in the 1980s. The United States holds Hezbollah responsible for the deadly 1983 bombings of the U.S. Marine headquarters and French barracks in Beirut. Hezbollah, however, denies involvement in these attacks and claims they were carried out by independent groups.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza and Hezbollah’s significant role in regional politics underscore the group’s enduring influence and the complex challenges it poses to the Middle East. As the region remains volatile, Hezbollah’s actions will continue to shape the dynamics of regional power struggles.
