Hezbollah

Hezbollah, also transliterated Hizbollah, is a Shia Islamist political and militant group based in Lebanon. Founded in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War, it emerged amid opposition to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. The group presents itself as a resistance movement and social service provider, drawing substantial support from Shia communities in the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon.

Structure includes political, social, and military wings. Its leader is the secretary-general, a position held by Hassan Nasrallah since 1992. The military wing is clandestine; the political wing participates in Lebanese politics, and Hezbollah runs charitable, educational, and health institutions. The group receives financial and logistical support from Iran and Syria, and maintains an overseas network.

Throughout its history, Hezbollah has conducted attacks against Israeli and Western targets, most notably the 1983 bombings in Beirut that killed U.S. and French service members. It fought Israel in the 2006 Lebanon War and has since been involved in the Syrian Civil War on the side of the Damascus government, assisting with ground operations and logistics. It also maintains influence in Lebanese security and governance.

Internationally, Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Israel, and several European and Gulf states, while some governments view it as a political party and part of Lebanon's governmental framework. In Lebanon, it participates in elections and has seats in parliament and government coalitions, while also operating a large network of social services and charitable organizations.