What is Hezbollah?

Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamist militant group and political party based in Lebanon. It was founded in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The group's name, "Hezbollah," translates to "Party of God" in Arabic.

 Founding and Ideology
Hezbollah was established with the support of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a means of resisting Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. The group is deeply rooted in the ideology of the Iranian Revolution, advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state in Lebanon and following the teachings of Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran's 1979 revolution.

 Objectives
Initially, Hezbollah's primary objectives were to fight against Israeli forces in Lebanon, to end Western influence in the region, and to promote Shiite political power within Lebanon. Over time, Hezbollah has grown into a significant political and military force within Lebanon, with influence that extends beyond the country's borders.

 Military Wing
Hezbollah's military wing, often referred to as the Islamic Resistance, is one of the most powerful non-state military actors in the Middle East. It is considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, and many others. Hezbollah's fighters have been involved in numerous conflicts, including the 2006 Lebanon War against Israel and the ongoing Syrian Civil War, where they have fought in support of the Assad regime.

 Political Role
In addition to its military activities, Hezbollah is a significant political party in Lebanon. It holds seats in the Lebanese Parliament and has ministers in the Lebanese government. Its political platform emphasizes resistance against Israel, anti-imperialism, and the provision of social services to Lebanon's Shiite population, which has garnered it significant support within that community.

 Social Services
Hezbollah operates a vast network of social services, including schools, hospitals, and charities, primarily in Shiite-dominated areas of Lebanon. These services have helped to solidify its support base among the Lebanese Shiite community and have given it a dual role as both a political/military organization and a provider of essential services.

 International Relations and Influence
Hezbollah has strong ties with Iran, which provides financial support, weapons, and training. The group is also aligned with Syria's government and has received backing from other Shiite communities in the region. Hezbollah's influence extends into various parts of the Middle East, and it has been involved in conflicts and political activities in Iraq, Yemen, and other countries.

 Controversies and Criticism
Hezbollah is controversial and widely condemned for its militant activities, including suicide bombings, kidnappings, and rocket attacks against Israeli civilian and military targets. The group has also been accused of involvement in various terrorist activities abroad, including the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 Current Status
Today, Hezbollah remains a powerful force in Lebanon and a key player in regional politics. It continues to be involved in the conflict with Israel, supports the Assad regime in Syria, and maintains its stance as a resistance movement against what it views as Western and Israeli aggression in the Middle East.

Hezbollah's dual identity as both a militant organization and a political party makes it a unique and complex entity in the geopolitics of the Middle East. Its activities and influence continue to be a significant source of tension in Lebanon and across the region.

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