Hezbollah, otherwise known as the Party of God, is a prominent Shia Political and militant group based in Lebanon. Founded in 1985, Hezbollah has grown to become one of the most influential forces in the Middle East politics and wars. Although it has been designated as a terrorist organization by some countries, Iran-backed Hezbollah has been actively involved in both regional and transnational activities such as providing social services to the population and fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Hezbollah has been active in the Lebanese civil war since 1985, and is considered one of the most powerful non-state actors in the region. It is a major power-broker in Lebanon and has significant influence in the country’s politics. In addition, Hezbollah has established a formidable armed-wing and maintains an efficient network of militia and armed forces to support its cause. Hezbollah is aligned with Iran and receives a substantial amount of financial and military assistance from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Qods Force.
The presence of the militant group on Israel’s borders has caused a great deal of tension between the two countries, as Hezbollah has been responsible for numerous clashes and military operations against Israeli forces. In 2006, Hezbollah and Israel engaged in a brief yet fierce conflict known as the “Second Lebanon War”. In spite of its small size, Hezbollah has managed to stave off the Israeli forces in more recent conflicts.
Hezbollah has also been involved in armed conflict in the Syrian Civil war, primarily fighting on the side of the Syrian government. The group has been accused of committing a number of human rights violations in the region, such as attacks on civilians, use of child soldiers, and enabling suppression of peaceful protesters.
For more than three decades, Hezbollah has become deeply entrenched in the region’s politics and warfare. Its involvement in both regional and internal politics has helped push Lebanon back into an era of instability and chaos. Its international designation as a terrorist organization is only likely to further heighten tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbours.