Hezbollah’s Presence in Lebanon (video, 3:09)
Compiled by Aidan New
Hezbollah emerged in Lebanon in the 1980s, rooted in the historical marginalization of the country’s Shiite community. Today, Hezbollah is a major player in Lebanese social and political life, wielding significant influence over both the government and the military landscape. Its continued presence, armed and active south of the Litani River in violation of U.N. Resolution 1701, greatly affects Lebanon’s internal stability and the prospects to rebuild the country.
Hezbollah Emerged After Shiite Marginalization
Hezbollah capitalized on social discontent of the Shiite community and established itself as a major power within Lebanon. The emergence of Hezbollah in the Lebanese political and social systems greatly altered the direction of the state.
- How did Hezbollah originate? https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-hezbollah#chapter-title-0-2
- The 1982 war in Lebanon: https://israeled.org/resources/documents/kahan-war-lebanon/
Lebanon Is a Failed State
Lebanon is often described as a failed state because of its severe economic crisis and political instability. With no governing power capable of suppressing Hezbollah, the Shiite group has grown and thrived with Iranian support.
- Lebanon on the brink of collapse in 2020: https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/07/30/lebanon-as-we-know-it-is-dying
- Political and economic crisis in 2020: https://israeled.org/lebanons-political-economic-crisis-ramifications-for-israel
- Hezbollah pulls Lebanon into war in 2006: https://israeled.org/second-lebanon-war-begins
Hezbollah Fighters Live Where They Are Supposed to Withdraw
- Where Hezbollah operates: https://israel-alma.org/2024/01/18/the-mapping-of-hezbollahs-military-areas-in-south-lebanon-2
- U.N. Resolution 1701: https://israeled.org/resources/documents/united-nations-security-council-resolution-1701-israel-lebanese-border
Conclusion
Hezbollah holds significant power over Lebanon and continues to conduct its terrorist activities within the country’s borders. As a failed state, Lebanon is not strong enough to combat Hezbollah’s growth and influence. Hezbollah holds major political and military power, complicating efforts to govern and stabilize Lebanon.