Although Hezbollah is often seen in Western media primarily as a militant group, understanding its history and role is key to making sense of Lebanon’s current conflict amid the wider war between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Since early 2026, Israel and the US have carried out strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US positions, escalating the conflict across the region.
Rooted in the Lebanese Civil War, Hezbollah has grown into one of Lebanon’s most powerful political entities. It has held seats in parliament for several decades and operates within coalitions alongside other parties. At the same time, it maintains a significant armed wing, which has led to its designation as a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries.
Beyond its political and military roles, the group also provides social services to segments of Lebanon’s population, particularly in marginalized communities.
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