Hezbollah
Origins, Mandate, and Regional Role
Hezbollah (Arabic: "Party of God") is a Lebanese political party and militant organisation founded in 1982 during the Israeli occupation of Lebanon, with direct support from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). It combines a large armed wing (estimated 100,000+ fighters and militia) with a significant social services network and parliamentary representation in Lebanon. Hezbollah is designated a terrorist organisation by the United States, European Union, Arab League, and several other states; its political wing is treated separately by some jurisdictions.
- Founded: 1982, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon; ideological foundation in Shia Islam and Iranian Velayat-e-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) doctrine.
- Funded, trained, and armed primarily by Iran and, to a degree, Syria.
- Maintains a significant missile and rocket arsenal estimated at over 150,000 projectiles as of 2024 (various defence research estimates).
- Participates in Lebanese parliamentary politics; holds seats in Lebanese Parliament and has been part of governing coalitions.
- The disarmament question has been a central point of contention in Lebanese domestic politics since 2005 (following Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon after the Cedar Revolution).
- The UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon (established 2007) indicted Hezbollah members for the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.
● Tracked since February 21, 2026 · last seen June 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
17 Apr '26
Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire: Military Operation Declared Incomplete
International Relations
09 Apr '26
Netanyahu Authorises Direct Israel-Lebanon Talks Amid Fragile Ceasefire
International Relations
21 Mar '26
Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Southern Lebanon to Dismantle Hezbollah
International Relations
21 Mar '26
Israel Strikes Tehran and Beirut as US Deploys Marines to West Asia
International Relations
15 Mar '26
Israel Denies Reports of Direct Lebanon Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict
International Relations
07 Mar '26
Israeli Commandos Raid Lebanon's Bekaa Valley; At Least 41 Killed in Strikes
International Relations
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