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Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Israel also launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, according to a statement from the Israeli army. So what is Hezbollah and what role does it have to play in the Israel-Hamas war?
All you need to know.
What is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah, or the Party of God, is one of the most important Islamist movements in the Middle East. Based in Lebanon, it has a powerful military wing, also runs a political party that wields decisive influence, TV stations and an extensive network of welfare services including clinics and schools.
Its sprawling business interests, both licit and illicit, bring in hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Origin
Iran's Revolutionary Guards founded Hezbollah in 1982, amid Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war. It was part of Iran's effort to export its 1979 Islamic Revolution around the region and fight Israeli forces after their 1982 invasion of Lebanon.
Backed by Iran and Syria, the group has risen from a shadowy faction to a heavily armed force with major sway over the Lebanese state. Many Western countries including the US have declared it a terrorist organisation.
A History of Violence
Since its foundation by a group of radical Shia clerics in 1982, Hezbollah has been blamed for major and bloody acts of violence in Lebanon, against Israel and internationally too.
Terrorism experts see it as a pioneer of mass casualty suicide attacks. Hezbollah controls much of Lebanon’s majority Shia areas: southern Beirut, southern Lebanon, and the eastern Bekaa Valley.
How Powerful is Hezbollah’s Military?
Hezbollah boasts weapons including precision rockets and drones, and says it can hit all parts of Israel. In 2021, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the group had 100,000 fighters.
Reportedly Hezbollah also receives weapons and funding from Iran. The United States estimates Iran has allocated it hundreds of millions of dollars annually in recent years.
Its Significance in the ongoing war
Hezbollah has deep ties to Hamas, which controls Gaza, and Islamic Jihad, another Palestinian faction backed by Iran. Since Oct. 7, Hezbollah has exchanged cross-border fire with Israel numerous times.
Israel's defence minister said on Oct. 15 that Israel had no interest in waging war from Hezbollah, and that if Hezbollah restrained itself then Israel would also keep the situation along the border as it is.
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