7.3 Hezbollah's role in Lebanese politics and regional influence

Hezbollah, born from Lebanon's turmoil, has grown into a powerful force. Starting as an armed resistance against Israel, it's now a key player in Lebanese politics and society. Its mix of military might and social services has earned it both support and criticism.

Hezbollah's impact stretches beyond Lebanon's borders. It's involved in regional conflicts, particularly in Syria, and maintains a hostile stance towards Israel. This regional role has significant implications for Lebanon's foreign relations and security.

Hezbollah's Origins and Development

Evolution of Hezbollah in Lebanon

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• Founded in 1982 in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon
  • Inspired by the Iranian Revolution and the ideology of Ayatollah Khomeini which advocated for the establishment of an Islamic state and resistance against Western influence
• Initially focused on armed resistance against Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon
  • Engaged in guerrilla warfare and terrorist attacks against Israeli forces using tactics such as ambushes, roadside bombings, and rocket attacks
• Gradually expanded its influence and presence in Lebanese politics
  • Participated in parliamentary elections starting in 1992, gaining seats and representation in the Lebanese government
  • Established a network of social services, including schools, hospitals, and charities to provide support and gain loyalty from the Shia community in Lebanon
• Played a significant role in the 2006 Lebanon War against Israel
  • Demonstrated its military capabilities and resilience by launching rockets into Israel and engaging in fierce battles with Israeli forces
  • Gained popularity and support among the Lebanese population for its perceived victory against Israel and its ability to defend Lebanon
• Continues to maintain a strong military presence in southern Lebanon
  • Acts as a deterrent against potential Israeli aggression by maintaining a well-armed and trained fighting force along the Lebanon-Israel border

Hezbollah's Ideology and Structure

Structure and ideology of Hezbollah

• Ideology rooted in Shia Islam and the concept of resistance
  • Adheres to the principle of wilayat al-faqih (guardianship of the jurist) which holds that a Shia Islamic cleric should have ultimate authority over political and religious matters
  • Seeks to establish an Islamic state in Lebanon based on Shia Islamic principles and laws
  • Opposes Western influence, particularly that of the United States, and supports the Palestinian cause for self-determination and resistance against Israel
• Organizational structure includes political, military, and social wings
  • Political wing participates in Lebanese government and parliament, advocating for Hezbollah's interests and agenda
  • Military wing, known as the Islamic Resistance, is responsible for armed operations and maintains a significant arsenal of weapons, including rockets and missiles
  • Social wing provides various services to the Shia community in Lebanon, such as education, healthcare, and financial assistance, to build support and loyalty
• Receives significant financial and military support from Iran
  • Iran provides training, weapons, and funding to Hezbollah, viewing the group as a key ally and proxy in the region
• Generates revenue through donations, investments, and alleged involvement in illicit activities
  • Operates a global network of charities and front organizations to raise funds and support its activities, some of which have been accused of money laundering and drug trafficking

Hezbollah's Domestic Role and Influence

Hezbollah's role in Lebanese politics

• Represents the Shia community in Lebanon's confessional political system
  • Holds a significant number of seats in the Lebanese parliament, giving it influence over legislation and government decisions
  • Participates in coalition governments and influences policy decisions, often acting as a kingmaker in Lebanese politics
• Maintains alliances with other political parties and groups
  • Allied with the Free Patriotic Movement, a Christian party, to form a political bloc and secure a majority in parliament
  • Cooperates with the Amal Movement, another Shia political party, to coordinate positions and avoid competition for Shia votes
• Engages in political bargaining and compromise to advance its interests
  • Uses its military strength as leverage in political negotiations, threatening to use force or withdraw from the government to pressure other factions
• Provides social services and support to its constituents
  • Fills the gap left by the weak Lebanese state in providing basic services, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, in Shia-dominated areas
• Faces opposition from rival political factions and groups
  • Criticized for its ties to Iran and its involvement in regional conflicts, which some view as undermining Lebanese sovereignty and stability

Hezbollah's Regional Impact

Regional impact of Hezbollah

• Plays a significant role in the Syrian civil war, supporting the Assad regime
  • Sends fighters to Syria to combat rebel groups and defend Shia shrines, providing crucial military support to the Syrian government
  • Involvement in Syria has strained Lebanon's relations with Arab states, particularly those opposed to the Assad regime, leading to diplomatic tensions and economic consequences
• Maintains a hostile stance towards Israel and engages in occasional cross-border incidents
  • Serves as a deterrent against Israeli aggression in southern Lebanon by maintaining a significant military presence and arsenal along the border
  • Involvement in the 2006 Lebanon War demonstrated its military capabilities, as it was able to inflict casualties on Israeli forces and launch rockets into Israel
• Accused of involvement in terrorist activities and political violence in other countries
  • Allegedly supports Shia militias in Iraq and Yemen, providing training, weapons, and funding to groups aligned with Iran's interests
  • Designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, due to its involvement in attacks against civilians and its ties to Iran
• Influences Lebanon's foreign policy and regional alignments
  • Lebanon's government must balance its relations with Hezbollah and other regional actors, taking into account Hezbollah's military strength and political influence
  • Hezbollah's actions, such as its involvement in the Syrian civil war or its hostility towards Israel, can lead to diplomatic tensions, economic sanctions, and security risks for Lebanon