Although Hezbollah is primarily portrayed as a militant group in Western media, understanding its origins, functions, and impact is essential to making sense of the current escalations Lebanon is experiencing in its ongoing conflict with Israel.
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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