Who are Hezbollah?

Hezbollah was founded in 1982 and is led by Secretary General Naim Qassem, following the death of Hassan Nasrallah on September 27, 2024.

They operate as a political party and an armed militia, while continuously maintaining a strong relationship with the IRGC since 1982.

Although they perceive themselves as Lebanon's defender, they function as their own state within the country.

Hezbollah controls a majority of Lebanon's government through political alliances, parliamentary blockages, and intimidation to steer national legislation or shut down decisions entirely.

Furthermore, Hezbollah eyes obedience to the IRGC’s supreme leader, currently Mojtaba Khamenei, who took over in March of 2026, and focuses on the objective of establishing an Islamic republic based in Lebanon, mirroring that of Iran.

Over four decades, the group has grown from a militia into a hybrid entity.

It has become a political party, a social service provider, and a heavily armed terrorist group to bring terror to the Middle East.

For decades, it has carried out attacks on the West and Israel, which have included the 1983 Beirut Embassy Bombing, the 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing, the Argentina Bombings from 1992 to 1994, as well as direct missile launches into Northern Israel.

Ever since Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah has expanded its influence into Lebanese politics and its military, while growing its terror in enemy states of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United States.

The current war has seen Hezbollah be a model for Iran’s frontline force, as it continuously attacks Northern Israel and works with the IRGC.

Overall, Hezbollah serves as a dominant force in Lebanon’s political progress and a puppet of Iran’s regional strategy.   

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1) What does Hezbollah mean in English?

Hezbollah translates from Arabic as the "Party of God."

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVo8gStmNs8

2) What are Hezbollah's main goals?

Hezbollah wants the removal of Western influence and the military destruction of Israel; they want to operate as a legitimate political party with elected seats in Lebanon's parliament and cabinet positions, and act as a de facto state in parts of Lebanon by running schools, hospitals, and charities for the Shia community. 

Source: https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2023/11/03/10-things-to-know-about-hezbollah/

3) What is Hezbollah's relationship with Iran?

Hezbollah functions as the most powerful member of Iran's "axis of resistance." They also receive hundreds of millions of dollars annually in military and financial support from Tehran. 

Source: https://www.smh.com.au/world/middle-east/what-is-hezbollah-a-guide-20231016-p5ecp0.html