Hezbollah: An Overview Amidst the Northern Front Conflict

With the escalation of conflict on Israel's northern front, many are asking: Who and what is Hezbollah? What drives their actions, and how can we better understand the motivations behind this conflict? This article aims to answer these questions, providing insights into Hezbollah's role in the ongoing situation.

Hezbollah, known in Arabic as “the Party of God,” is a Shiite militant organization and political party based in Lebanon. Founded during the turmoil of the Lebanese Civil War in the early 1980s, it was inspired and supported by Iran, evolving from a paramilitary group into a political player with seats in the Lebanese parliament. The United States classifies Hezbollah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization due to its violent actions and alignment with Iranian interests.

Hezbollah’s Ideological Foundations

Hezbollah's beliefs are rooted in Shiite Islamism, heavily influenced by Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. Key elements of Hezbollah’s ideology include:

1. Resistance against Israel and Zionism**: Hezbollah frames itself as Lebanon's protector against Israeli "aggression" and occupation.
2. Establishing an Islamic State**: Hezbollah aspires to implement an Islamic state in Lebanon governed by Sharia law.
3. Opposition to Western Influence**: The group strongly opposes Western presence and culture, often seeing them as threats to their vision of Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s Actions and Global Impact

In 1983, Hezbollah’s armed wing attacked American and French peacekeepers in Lebanon, killing 241 U.S. Marines, 58 French soldiers, and six civilians. Despite this devastating event, there was no military retaliation from the United States, with American forces eventually withdrawn. Years later, U.S. officials reported that these attacks were ordered by Iran, suggesting Iran's belief in high-profile attacks to demoralize opponents.

Like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah has sought to gain legitimacy by establishing schools, hospitals, and welfare services, creating a façade of community support. This strategy has helped it grow in influence, despite its militant activities. Recently, however, Israeli forces uncovered tunnels used for terror operations, laden with explosives and positioned beneath civilian areas, hospitals, and schools. This strategy sacrifices Lebanon’s civilian population as human shields, creating tragedies highlighted by international media.

Current Conflict and Displacement

Following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel, forcing around 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes for safety. The escalation has since intensified, reaching cities as far south as central Israel, including Tel Aviv. Schools have shifted to online learning due to safety concerns, and the impact on daily life is widespread.

UN Resolution 1701 and Its Limited Impact

In response to previous conflicts, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, drafted in 2006, directed the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to assist the Lebanese government in creating a demilitarized zone extending from the Israeli border (the "blue line") to the Litani River, a distance of approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles). This resolution was unanimously supported by all member states, with no abstentions. However, despite this international mandate, UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army have failed to prevent Hezbollah's continued military build-up in the area. Hezbollah has maintained and expanded its arsenal, established fortified positions, and prepared for attacks against Israel, undeterred by UNIFIL’s presence. Consequently, the demilitarized zone remains unfulfilled, and Hezbollah’s constant rocket attacks have forced Israel to reestablish deterrence. On October 1, 2024, a year after the resurgence of hostilities, the Israeli Army sent ground troops into Lebanon to address these threats directly.

Ongoing Tensions and Regional Implications

As of this writing, Hezbollah’s attacks persist despite the death of their leader Hassan Nasrallah and Israeli efforts to deter aggression. Israel has mourned the loss of young, brave soldiers and civilians while also responding to intermittent threats from Iran, signaling a larger regional tension that could potentially lead to further escalation.

Throughout history, anti-Semitic forces have emerged with the aim of harming Israel. Hezbollah’s actions reflect this long-standing hostility, and the current conflict continues to unfold amidst complex regional dynamics.