Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shiite militant group and political party, founded in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War. It was initially formed with the support of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to resist Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Hezbollah’s goals include the destruction of the Israeli state and the establishment of an Islamic regime in Lebanon, modeled after Iran.
Over the years, Hezbollah has evolved into a major political player in Lebanon, holding seats in the Lebanese parliament and operating social services like schools and healthcare. However, it is also recognized as a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States and the European Union, due to its involvement in numerous attacks, such as the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Argentina and its role in the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War.
Hezbollah has significant military capabilities, reportedly with tens of thousands of fighters, advanced weaponry supplied by Iran, and a budget of over $1 billion annually. It is often considered the strongest non-state military actor globally, rivaling even the Lebanese army. Beyond Lebanon, Hezbollah has been implicated in various conflicts across the Middle East, including supporting the Assad regime in the Syrian Civil War.
Its current leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has led the group since 1992, overseeing both its military and political wings. Hezbollah maintains a delicate balance in Lebanese politics, while also engaging in regional conflicts, often aligning itself with Iran’s broader geopolitical goals.
