Hezbollah
Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shiite Muslim political party and militant group based in Lebanon.
Hezbollah is a Lebanese Shiite Muslim political party and militant group based in Lebanon. It was formed in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War and the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, and it is closely aligned with Iran. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by Canada and many other countries.
History
Hezbollah formed in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War, drawing support from Lebanese Shiite clerics and Iran after the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. It publicly announced itself in 1985 and became a major force in Lebanese politics and armed conflict.
Political and military role
Hezbollah operates as both a political party and an armed group, with significant influence inside Lebanon. It has fought repeated conflicts with Israel and is often described as a state-like actor within Lebanon.
Ideology and objectives
Hezbollah’s ideology is rooted in Shiite Islamism and Iranian revolutionary thought. Its early manifesto called for resistance to Israel, opposition to Western influence, and the creation of an Islamic government in Lebanon.
International designations
Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by Canada, the United States, and several other governments. Some jurisdictions distinguish between its political and military wings, but Canada’s listing covers the group as an entity.
Key facts
- Hezbollah is both a political actor and an armed militant organization in Lebanon.
- It emerged during Lebanon’s civil war after Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon.
- The group is strongly backed by Iran and is widely described as one of Iran’s proxy groups.
- Canada lists Hezbollah as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code.
- Hezbollah and Hamas are separate organizations: Hezbollah is Lebanese and Shiite, while Hamas is Palestinian and Sunni.
Canada designates Hezbollah as a terrorist entity, so it is directly relevant to Canadian law, security policy, and public reporting on designated groups.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hezbollah?
Who is the leader of Hezbollah?
Is Hezbollah a terrorist group in Canada?
What is Hezbollah’s goal?
How did Hezbollah start?
What is the difference between Hezbollah and Hamas?
References
- Council on Foreign Relations — https://www.cfr.org/backgrounders/what-hezbollahSupports: Hezbollah as a Lebanese Shiite political party and militant group; origin during Lebanese Civil War; Iranian backing; opposition to Israel and Western influence.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67307858Supports: Hezbollah as a Shia Muslim political and military group in Lebanon; origins after the 1982 Israeli invasion; opposition to Israel; designation by some countries.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/HezbollahSupports: Founding in 1982; development from Lebanese Shiite clerics; goal of driving Israel from Lebanon and establishing an Islamic republic.
- Government of Canada — https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/services/terrorist-entities-list.htmlSupports: Hezbollah’s designation as a listed terrorist entity in Canada.
- Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/article/economy/factbox-what-is-hezbollah-idUSL15462953/Supports: Formation in 1982 with Iranian Revolutionary Guard assistance; continuing Iranian backing; U.S. terrorist designation.