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(Created page with "Hezbollah or the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon is a Shia Islamic political and military organization that was founded in Lebanon in 1982. Its primary objective was to resist the occupation of the Zionist regime. Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah currently serves as the secretary general of Hezbollah. Prior to his leadership, Subhi al-Tufayli and Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi held the position. Throughout its existence, Hezbollah has been involved in multiple military conflicts with Isra...") |
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Hezbollah or the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon is a Shia Islamic political and military organization that was founded in Lebanon in 1982. Its primary objective was to resist the occupation of the Zionist regime. | Hezbollah or the Islamic Resistance in [[Lebanon]] is a [[Shia]] Islamic political and military organization that was founded in Lebanon in 1982. Its primary objective was to resist the occupation of the Zionist regime. | ||
[[Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah]] currently serves as the secretary general of Hezbollah. Prior to his leadership, [[Subhi al-Tufayli]] and [[Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi]] held the position. Throughout its existence, Hezbollah has been involved in multiple military conflicts with Israel, with the most notable being the [[33-day war]] in 2006. This war was initiated by Israel with the aim of disarming Hezbollah and rescuing two Israeli military personnel captured during a Hezbollah operation known as "al-Wa'd al-Sadiq" (the True Promise). Hezbollah has also actively engaged in combat against the terrorist group [[ISIS]] in defense of the Syrian government. In addition to its military activities, Hezbollah is involved in various cultural, social, and political endeavors. The Al-Manar TV Network serves as a media outlet affiliated with Hezbollah. | |||
==History and Grounds of Formation== | ==History and Grounds of Formation== | ||
Hezbollah was established in 1982 in response to the occupation of parts of southern Lebanon. Initially operating covertly, Hezbollah worked to regain control of the occupied regions. It was on February 16, 1985, following Israel's withdrawal from Sidon, that Hezbollah publicly declared its ideology and strategy of resisting the Israeli occupation. | Hezbollah was established in 1982 in response to the occupation of parts of southern Lebanon. Initially operating covertly, Hezbollah worked to regain control of the occupied regions. It was on February 16, 1985, following Israel's withdrawal from Sidon, that Hezbollah publicly declared its ideology and strategy of resisting the Israeli occupation. | ||
As per a commander from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in response to the Israeli attack on Lebanon in 1982, a contingent of IRGC commanders was deployed to Lebanon. Their mission was to train Lebanese forces in resistance tactics against the Zionist regime. In addition to military training, their efforts aimed to foster unity among various groups affiliated with Iran, ultimately leading to the formation of Hezbollah. According to | As per a commander from the [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps]], in response to the Israeli attack on Lebanon in 1982, a contingent of IRGC commanders was deployed to Lebanon. Their mission was to train Lebanese forces in resistance tactics against the Zionist regime. In addition to military training, their efforts aimed to foster unity among various groups affiliated with Iran, ultimately leading to the formation of Hezbollah. According to [[Na'im Qassem]], the deputy secretary general of Hezbollah, these groups arrived in Lebanon under the directive of [[Imam Khomeini]] to provide military training. Prior to this, the [[Amal Movement]], Islamic Dawa Party, the Assembly of the Scholars in Beqaa, and Islamic Committees had already agreed to establish a unified party to counter the Israeli occupation, and their proposal received confirmation from Imam Khomeini. | ||
==Leadership== | ==Leadership== | ||
Subhi al-Tufayli was the first elected Secretary General of Hezbollah, assuming the position on November 5, 1989. Prior to his election, Hezbollah operated with a leadership council for a period of seven years. The founding members of Hezbollah included Sayyid Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah, Subhi al-Tufayli, Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi, Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah, Naim Qassem, Hossein Korani, Hussein Khalil, Mohammad Raad, Muhammad Fneish, Mohammad Yazbek, and Ibrahim Amin. However, in May 1991, disagreements and criticisms directed towards Subhi al-Tufayli led to his removal from the position of Secretary General. Sayyid Abbas Musawi was subsequently elected as the new Secretary General of Hezbollah. On February 16, 1992, Musawi was assassinated and martyred by Israel. Following his assassination, the Hezbollah council elected Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah as the new Secretary General. | [[Subhi al-Tufayli]] was the first elected Secretary General of Hezbollah, assuming the position on November 5, 1989. Prior to his election, Hezbollah operated with a leadership council for a period of seven years. The founding members of Hezbollah included [[Sayyid Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah]], Subhi al-Tufayli, [[Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi]], [[Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah]], [[Naim Qassem]], Hossein Korani, Hussein Khalil, Mohammad Raad, Muhammad Fneish, Mohammad Yazbek, and Ibrahim Amin. However, in May 1991, disagreements and criticisms directed towards Subhi al-Tufayli led to his removal from the position of Secretary General. Sayyid Abbas Musawi was subsequently elected as the new Secretary General of Hezbollah. On [[February 16]], 1992, Musawi was assassinated and martyred by Israel. Following his assassination, the Hezbollah council elected [[Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah]] as the new Secretary General. | ||
==Prominent Figures== | ==Prominent Figures== | ||
Here are some of the prominent figures of Hezbollah. | Here are some of the prominent figures of Hezbollah. | ||
===Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah=== | ===Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah=== | ||
Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah (born in 1960) is the third Secretary General of Hezbollah in Lebanon. He served as the executive manager of Hezbollah for a while and was among its founding members. Nasrallah assumed the position of Secretary General in 1992 and has held it since then. Under his leadership, Hezbollah successfully compelled Israel to withdraw from parts of the occupied territories in southern Lebanon in 2000 and liberated Lebanese prisoners. | {{main|Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah}} | ||
Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah (born in 1960) is the third Secretary General of Hezbollah in Lebanon. He served as the executive manager of Hezbollah for a while and was among its founding members. Nasrallah assumed the position of Secretary General in 1992 and has held it since then. Under his leadership, Hezbollah successfully compelled Israel to withdraw from parts of the occupied territories in southern [[Lebanon]] in 2000 and liberated Lebanese prisoners. | |||
===Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi=== | ===Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi=== | ||
Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi was a founding member of Hezbollah and served as its second Secretary General. He assumed the position in 1989 when Subhi al-Tufayli was removed from leadership. Prior to his role in Hezbollah, he had actively fought against the Zionist regime of Israel alongside Palestinian forces. His tenure as Secretary General lasted less than nine months. On February 16, 1992, his car was targeted in a terrorist attack carried out by Israeli helicopters. As a result of this attack, Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi, along with his wife and child, were martyred. | Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi was a founding member of Hezbollah and served as its second Secretary General. He assumed the position in 1989 when Subhi al-Tufayli was removed from leadership. Prior to his role in Hezbollah, he had actively fought against the Zionist regime of Israel alongside Palestinian forces. His tenure as Secretary General lasted less than nine months. On February 16, 1992, his car was targeted in a terrorist attack carried out by Israeli helicopters. As a result of this attack, Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi, along with his wife and child, were martyred. | ||
===Subhi al-Tufayli=== | ===Subhi al-Tufayli=== | ||
Shaykh Subhi al-Tufayli (b. 1948) served as the inaugural secretary general of Hezbollah in Lebanon from 1989 to 1991. In 1998, he founded the Revolt of the Hungry (Thawrat al- | Shaykh Subhi al-Tufayli (b. 1948) served as the inaugural secretary general of Hezbollah in Lebanon from 1989 to 1991. In 1998, he founded the Revolt of the Hungry (Thawrat al-Jiya'). This movement witnessed his supporters engaging in attacks on several governmental centers, leading to conflicts and loss of lives. In the present day, Shaykh Subhi al-Tufayli has become critical of certain positions and practices adopted by both Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic of Iran. | ||
===Imad Mughniyeh=== | ===Imad Mughniyeh=== | ||
Imad Mughniyeh, also known as al-Hajj Radwan, was a prominent commander of Hezbollah. He held the responsibility of commanding the guard that protected high-ranking Hezbollah officials and was also in charge of overseeing special operations conducted by the organization. Notably, he played a key role in planning and leading the al- | [[Imad Mughniyeh]], also known as al-Hajj Radwan, was a prominent commander of Hezbollah. He held the responsibility of commanding the guard that protected high-ranking Hezbollah officials and was also in charge of overseeing special operations conducted by the organization. Notably, he played a key role in planning and leading the al-Wa'd al-Sadiq (True Promise) operation, and served as a field commander for Hezbollah during the 33-day war against Israel. Imad Mughniyeh was assassinated by Israel in [[Damascus]] on February 12, 2008. | ||
==Fighting the Zionist Regime== | ==Fighting the Zionist Regime== | ||
In 1985, Hezbollah made a public and official declaration of its ideology and strategy, which centered around fight against Israel. During its early years, the organization primarily engaged in martyrdom operations targeting Israeli forces. However, as time passed, Hezbollah's strategy evolved. In response to the assassination of their Secretary General at the time, Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi, Hezbollah forces retaliated by launching Katyusha missiles towards Zionist settlements in northern Palestine. | In 1985, Hezbollah made a public and official declaration of its ideology and strategy, which centered around fight against Israel. During its early years, the organization primarily engaged in martyrdom operations targeting Israeli forces. However, as time passed, Hezbollah's strategy evolved. In response to the assassination of their Secretary General at the time, Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi, Hezbollah forces retaliated by launching Katyusha missiles towards Zionist settlements in northern [[Palestine]]. | ||
Here are some of the major events that took place between Hezbollah and Israel. | Here are some of the major events that took place between Hezbollah and Israel. | ||
===The True Promise Operation=== | ===The True Promise Operation=== | ||
In 2006, a war broke out between Hezbollah and Israel, which became known as the July War or the 33-day war. Despite its agreement with Hezbollah, Israel failed to release its three prisoners as promised. As a result, in July 2006, Hezbollah conducted the al-Waʿd al-Sadiq (True Promise) operation and captured two Israeli military members. In an attempt to secure the release of its prisoners and disarm Hezbollah, Israel launched an attack on Lebanon, triggering a full-scale war between the two parties. The conflict lasted for 33 days. On the morning of the 34th day, August 14, 2006, a ceasefire was implemented in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. | In 2006, a war broke out between Hezbollah and Israel, which became known as the July War or the 33-day war. Despite its agreement with Hezbollah, Israel failed to release its three prisoners as promised. As a result, in July 2006, Hezbollah conducted the al-Waʿd al-Sadiq (True Promise) operation and captured two Israeli military members. In an attempt to secure the release of its prisoners and disarm Hezbollah, Israel launched an attack on Lebanon, triggering a full-scale war between the two parties. The conflict lasted for 33 days. On the morning of the 34th day, August 14, 2006, a ceasefire was implemented in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. | ||
==January 1993 Conflict== | ==January 1993 Conflict== | ||
On July 25, 1993, Israel launched an attack on Lebanon with the objective of disarming Hezbollah and creating divisions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese population. The aim was to exert pressure on the Lebanese government in order to suppress Hezbollah's resistance activities. However, this attack elicited a response from Hezbollah. On July 31, 1993, Israel and Hezbollah reached an agreement known as the July Memorandum of Understanding. According to this agreement, Hezbollah committed to refraining from launching Katyusha missiles towards the occupied territories of Palestine. In return, Israel agreed to cease its aggressive actions. | On July 25, 1993, Israel launched an attack on Lebanon with the objective of disarming Hezbollah and creating divisions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese population. The aim was to exert pressure on the Lebanese government in order to suppress Hezbollah's resistance activities. However, this attack elicited a response from Hezbollah. On July 31, 1993, Israel and Hezbollah reached an agreement known as the July Memorandum of Understanding. According to this agreement, Hezbollah committed to refraining from launching Katyusha missiles towards the occupied territories of Palestine. In return, Israel agreed to cease its aggressive actions. | ||
===April 1996 Conflicts=== | ===April 1996 Conflicts=== | ||
On April 11, 1996, Israel initiated a military operation called the Grapes of Wrath, targeting Lebanon. This operation was marked by several significant incidents, including the four murders in Sohmor on the second day, an attack on the Mansouri ambulance on the third day, and the attacks in Nabatiyeh and Qana on the seventh day. These attacks resulted in the loss of 25 lives, including 14 members of Hezbollah. The Grapes of Wrath operation lasted for 16 days. However, eventually, both parties reached an agreement known as the April Agreement. Under the April Agreement, Israel committed to refraining from targeting civilians and agreed to exclusively engage resistance forces in its military operations. | On April 11, 1996, Israel initiated a military operation called the Grapes of Wrath, targeting Lebanon. This operation was marked by several significant incidents, including the four murders in Sohmor on the second day, an attack on the Mansouri ambulance on the third day, and the attacks in Nabatiyeh and Qana on the seventh day. These attacks resulted in the loss of 25 lives, including 14 members of Hezbollah. The Grapes of Wrath operation lasted for 16 days. However, eventually, both parties reached an agreement known as the April Agreement. Under the April Agreement, Israel committed to refraining from targeting civilians and agreed to exclusively engage resistance forces in its military operations. | ||
===Operation Ansariya=== | ===Operation Ansariya=== | ||
Hezbollah carried out Operation Ansariya on September 5, 1992, in response to an Israeli marine commando agression in Lebanese territory. During the operation, 17 Israeli commandos were killed or injured by Hezbollah forces. | Hezbollah carried out Operation Ansariya on September 5, 1992, in response to an Israeli marine commando agression in Lebanese territory. During the operation, 17 Israeli commandos were killed or injured by Hezbollah forces. | ||
==Liberation of Resistance Prisoners== | ==Liberation of Resistance Prisoners== | ||
After the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, some Hezbollah members, including Mustafa Dirani and Abdel Karim Obeid, remained imprisoned in Israel. In an effort to secure their release, Hezbollah conducted an operation in the Chebaa farms region of southern Lebanon. On October 7, 2000, they captured three Israeli soldiers and also arrested an Israeli colonel in Beirut. Consequently, a prisoner exchange took place between Israel and Hezbollah. As part of the exchange, Israel released several Lebanese prisoners, along with 400 Palestinian prisoners, and returned the bodies of 59 martyrs. In addition, Israel provided information on the identities of 24 missing individuals and handed over a map indicating the location of landmines along the Lebanese borders. The exchange operation was carried out on January 29-30, 2004. | After the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, some Hezbollah members, including Mustafa Dirani and Abdel Karim Obeid, remained imprisoned in Israel. In an effort to secure their release, Hezbollah conducted an operation in the Chebaa farms region of southern Lebanon. On October 7, 2000, they captured three Israeli soldiers and also arrested an Israeli colonel in Beirut. Consequently, a prisoner exchange took place between Israel and Hezbollah. As part of the exchange, Israel released several Lebanese prisoners, along with 400 Palestinian prisoners, and returned the bodies of 59 martyrs. In addition, Israel provided information on the identities of 24 missing individuals and handed over a map indicating the location of landmines along the Lebanese borders. The exchange operation was carried out on January 29-30, 2004. | ||
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==Presence in Syria against ISIS== | ==Presence in Syria against ISIS== | ||
Hezbollah collaborated with the Syrian government in its efforts to combat the terrorist group ISIS. Following the outbreak of unrest in Syria, Hezbollah actively engaged in fighting alongside the Syrian army against the excommunicationist ISIS militants. One significant achievement for Hezbollah in Syria was its liberation of al-Qusayr. | Hezbollah collaborated with the Syrian government in its efforts to combat the terrorist group ISIS. Following the outbreak of unrest in Syria, Hezbollah actively engaged in fighting alongside the Syrian army against the excommunicationist ISIS militants. One significant achievement for Hezbollah in Syria was its liberation of al-Qusayr. | ||
==Political Activities== | ==Political Activities== | ||
In 1992, Hezbollah made its debut in Lebanese elections and secured twelve parliamentary seats. Four years later in 1996, Hezbollah gained ten seats in the Lebanese parliament. In the subsequent elections of 2000, Hezbollah maintained its momentum and secured twelve out of 128 seats. in the general elections of 2005, Hezbollah gained fourteen seats nationwide and formed an alliance with the Amal movement, securing all 23 seats in Southern Lebanon. Hezbollah appointed Muhammad Fneish as the Water and Energy Minister within the cabinet. | In 1992, Hezbollah made its debut in Lebanese elections and secured twelve parliamentary seats. Four years later in 1996, Hezbollah gained ten seats in the Lebanese parliament. In the subsequent elections of 2000, Hezbollah maintained its momentum and secured twelve out of 128 seats. in the general elections of 2005, Hezbollah gained fourteen seats nationwide and formed an alliance with the Amal movement, securing all 23 seats in Southern Lebanon. Hezbollah appointed Muhammad Fneish as the Water and Energy Minister within the cabinet. | ||
After 2005, Hezbollah became one of the March 8 groups. That year marked significant changes in Lebanon's political landscape following the assassination of Hariri. The March 8 group emerged from a gathering of Hezbollah in Beirut, as it faced opposition regarding its disarming, support of Syria, and resistance against Israel. The March-8 group was an alliance consisting of Hezbollah, Amal Movement, and the Free Patriotic (Christian) Party. Later, other movements joined the alliance, including the Islamic Group of Lebanon, Islamic Unification Movement (Sunni Muslims), and the Democratic Party (Druze). Simultaneously, another alliance called the March 14 group was formed with the support of the US, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The March 14 group aimed to secure the Syrian exit from Lebanon and disarm the resistance movement. Its main advocates included the Future Movement (Sunni Muslims), al-Kataeb Party, and Lebanese Forces (Christian), as well as the Progressive Socialist Party of Lebanon (Druze). | After 2005, Hezbollah became one of the March 8 groups. That year marked significant changes in Lebanon's political landscape following the assassination of Hariri. The March 8 group emerged from a gathering of Hezbollah in Beirut, as it faced opposition regarding its disarming, support of Syria, and resistance against Israel. The March-8 group was an alliance consisting of Hezbollah, Amal Movement, and the Free Patriotic (Christian) Party. Later, other movements joined the alliance, including the Islamic Group of Lebanon, Islamic Unification Movement (Sunni Muslims), and the Democratic Party (Druze). Simultaneously, another alliance called the March 14 group was formed with the support of the US, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The March 14 group aimed to secure the Syrian exit from Lebanon and disarm the resistance movement. Its main advocates included the Future Movement (Sunni Muslims), al-Kataeb Party, and Lebanese Forces (Christian), as well as the Progressive Socialist Party of Lebanon (Druze). | ||
==Social Activities== | ==Social Activities== | ||
Hezbollah is primarily focused on resistance against Israeli aggressions and occupations. However, it also engages in various social and public service activities, which include: | Hezbollah is primarily focused on resistance against Israeli aggressions and occupations. However, it also engages in various social and public service activities, which include: | ||
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Providing access to drinking water for the southern suburbs of Beirut. | Providing access to drinking water for the southern suburbs of Beirut. | ||
==Media== | ==Media== | ||
Al-Manar Television Network: established in 1991. | Al-Manar Television Network: established in 1991. | ||
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Additionally, Hezbollah has transformed one of its headquarters located in Mleeta into a museum. | Additionally, Hezbollah has transformed one of its headquarters located in Mleeta into a museum. | ||
==Opponents and Proponents== | ==Opponents and Proponents== | ||
The primary supporters of Hezbollah include Iran, Syria, and Iraq. Additionally, Russia recognizes Hezbollah as a legitimate political and social organization. On the other hand, the United States of America, the Arab League, and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf have designated Hezbollah, or certain factions within it, as a terrorist group. Those who argue against this designation point to Hezbollah's resistance against Israeli occupation and threats, as well as the perceived military shortcomings of the Lebanese army against Israel. They believe that Hezbollah should be considered part of the Lebanese military forces and, therefore, justified in possessing weapons. | The primary supporters of Hezbollah include Iran, Syria, and Iraq. Additionally, Russia recognizes Hezbollah as a legitimate political and social organization. On the other hand, the United States of America, the Arab League, and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf have designated Hezbollah, or certain factions within it, as a terrorist group. Those who argue against this designation point to Hezbollah's resistance against Israeli occupation and threats, as well as the perceived military shortcomings of the Lebanese army against Israel. They believe that Hezbollah should be considered part of the Lebanese military forces and, therefore, justified in possessing weapons. | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
Several books have been written about Hezbollah. A case in point is the book Hezbollah al-manhaj al-tajriba al-mustaqbal Lebanon wa muqawamatuh fi l-wajiha by Naim Qassem (Hezbollah, the method, the experience, the future of Lebanon and its resistance at the forefront), a leader of Lebanese Hezbollah. This book provides an account of the history, objectives, and activities of Hezbollah. | Several books have been written about Hezbollah. A case in point is the book Hezbollah al-manhaj al-tajriba al-mustaqbal Lebanon wa muqawamatuh fi l-wajiha by Naim Qassem (Hezbollah, the method, the experience, the future of Lebanon and its resistance at the forefront), a leader of Lebanese Hezbollah. This book provides an account of the history, objectives, and activities of Hezbollah. | ||