Iran’s Influence Over Hezbollah (video, 3:24)
Iran exerts an immense amount of influence over its most successful proxy creation, Hezbollah. This dominance is reflected in Hezbollah’s reliance on Iranian approval for strategic decisions and strong ideological similarities. Iran and Hezbollah share Shiite ideology and a deep-rooted hatred towards Israel. Hezbollah is a critical tool used by Iran to spread its regional ambitions and strategies.
Hezbollah: Iran’s Most Important and Successful Proxy
Iran’s relationship with Hezbollah is more of a partnership than a simple proxy dynamic. Iran relies on Hezbollah’s substantial military capabilities to attack Israel, and Iran has gone as far as to create proxies for Hezbollah to spread its campaign against Israel into the Golan Heights. Iran hopes that by supporting Hezbollah it can exert immense pressure on Israel and increase Iranian influence across the Middle East. More information:
- Iran’s support for Hezbollah: https://www.isdp.eu/iran-and-hezbollah-proxy-power-play/
- The model of Iranian support in Syria: https://ciestaging.wpengine.com/the-model-of-iranian-influence-in-syria/
- Shia militia operatives in Syria ready to assist Hezbollah: https://israel-alma.org/2024/06/26/will-shiite-militia-operatives-come-to-lebanon-as-reinforcements-for-hezbollah-during-a-war/
Hezbollah Views Iran as Its Supreme Leader
Hezbollah’s close relationship with Iran is evident in the Lebanese organization’s recognition of Iranian Ayatollah Khamenei as its supreme leader and the need for Iranian permission for all major strategic decisions. This deep alignment exemplifies Iran’s significant political and strategic influence over Hezbollah.
- The logic of Israel’s actions to contain Iran in Syria and Lebanon: https://ciestaging.wpengine.com/the-logic-of-israels-actions-to-contain-iran-in-syria-and-lebanon/
- Southern Lebanon, the land of three armies: https://ciestaging.wpengine.com/southern-lebanon-the-land-of-three-armies/
- The complexity behind Hezbollah’s response to Israeli attacks: https://ciestaging.wpengine.com/the-complexity-behind-hezbollahs-response-to-israels-attacks/
Hezbollah’s Main Purpose for Iran: Deter Israel
With an arsenal of over 150,000 rockets, Hezbollah is a significant threat to Israel’s safety and security. Iran uses Hezbollah as its main deterrent to any attacks from Israel. In the event of a prolonged war with Iran, Israel would also have to focus its resources on neutralizing Hezbollah on its northern border.
- The power of Hezbollah, fueled by Iran: https://israel-alma.org/2022/02/21/does-hezbollah-really-have-150000-missiles-and-rockets/
- U.S.-Israel Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration, reaffirming Iran deterrence: https://ciestaging.wpengine.com/the-jerusalem-u-s-israel-strategic-partnership-joint-declaration-2/
Conclusion
Iran’s influence over Hezbollah is multifaceted and extends beyond a typical proxy relationship to a strategic partnership that is deeply rooted in a shared ideology. This relationship is characterized by strategic guidance and arms support from Iran to bolster Hezbollah’s strength and influence in the region. This partnership both solidifies Hezbollah’s position as a major regional actor and