Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed group on Israel’s border, has become an increasingly dangerous force in the region. Founded in 1982 during Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, the militant organization has been historically aligned with Iran but is an autonomous organization, receiving weapons, training, and financial assistance from Tehran.
Over the past several decades, the organization has become increasingly entrenched in Lebanon’s political life, making them an undeniable presence in the region. At the same time, their ties to Hezbollah have drawn criticism from Israel, the United States, and other countries in the international community.
Hezbollah’s connection to Tehran has resulted in a series of clashes with Israel, including a significant 2006 war that left an estimated 1,000 people dead. Since then, Hezbollah has grown ever more powerful and is now believed to possess a sophisticated arsenal of weapons, including rockets and missiles, which they have used to target Israeli cities in the past.
Moreover, the group has become increasingly involved in regional politics, playing a key role in the Syrian civil war since it began in 2011. This has included providing Shiite fighters to defend regime-held positions, as well as securing military assistance from Russia.
Hezbollah has remained dedicated to its opposition to Israel, and this has resulted in periodic clashes between the two sides, particularly in southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. In the face of this, Israel has adopted a policy of deterrence – using air power and economic pressure to dissuade further Hezbollah aggression.
Despite their provocative behavior, most major powers, including the United States, have so far declined to take military action against Hezbollah. This is partly due to fears of triggering a new regional war, as well as a desire to protect Lebanon’s fragile democracy.
Given the level of activity and their geopolitical importance, it’s clear that Hezbollah will remain an unavoidable factor in the region for the foreseeable future. With Tehran’s support and their own ruthless tactics, they remain an unpredictable force that could ignite a deadly conflict at any time.