Key Characteristics

• Iran-backed: Hezbollah receives significant financial, military, and political support from Iran, which has strengthened its position in Lebanon.

• Militant group: Hezbollah has a well-equipped and trained military wing, with an arsenal of weapons including attack drones and precision-guided missiles capable of striking deep inside Israel.

• Political party: Hezbollah holds significant political influence in Lebanon, with members serving in parliament and holding key cabinet positions.

• Social services network: Hezbollah provides extensive social services, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, to its constituents, fostering a strong sense of loyalty and support.

Recent Developments

• The killing of Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in an Israeli strike in Beirut has escalated tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warning of a “new phase” in the conflict.

• The group has been involved in near-daily clashes with Israel along the Lebanon-Israel border, displacing tens of thousands of people in both countries.

• Hezbollah’s attacks on Israeli military bases in northern Israel have been seen as a “support front” for Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip.

Key Figures

• Hassan Nasrallah: Hezbollah’s long-time leader, known for his charismatic leadership and strategic thinking.
• Fuad Shukr (al-Hajj Mohsin): Senior Hezbollah commander killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut, considered a close adviser to Nasrallah.

Relevance

Hezbollah’s activities and rhetoric have significant implications for regional stability, particularly in the context of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Its ability to mobilize and respond to Israeli aggression has made it a formidable force in the region, and its ties to Iran have raised concerns about the potential for escalation.