Why and how was Hezbollah formed?

Introduction

Hezbollah was formed in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War, primarily in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. The organization emerged from a complex set of political, social, and religious factors:

Origins and Context

The Lebanese Civil War, which began in 1975, created a volatile environment that set the stage for Hezbollah’s formation. The conflict was fueled by tensions between various religious and political factions, including disagreements over the Palestinian presence in Lebanon.

Iranian Influence

The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran played a crucial role in Hezbollah’s creation. The new Iranian regime saw an opportunity to expand its influence in the region by supporting Shiite groups in Lebanon. Iran, through its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), provided funding, training, and ideological guidance to the nascent organization.

Israeli Invasion Catalyst

The Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982, aimed at expelling Palestinian guerrilla fighters, served as the immediate catalyst for Hezbollah’s formation. A group of Lebanese Shiite clerics, influenced by Iran’s theocratic government, took up arms against the Israeli occupation.

Ideological Foundations

Hezbollah’s ideology was enshrined in its 1985 manifesto, which outlined several key objectives:

Expelling Western powers from Lebanon

Destroying the state of Israel

Pledging allegiance to Iran’s supreme leader

Advocating for an Iran-inspired Islamist regime in Lebanon (while emphasizing Lebanese self-determination)

Shiite Empowerment

Hezbollah emerged as a voice for Lebanon’s Shiite Muslim community, which had traditionally been marginalized in the country’s political system. The group aimed to empower Shiites and resist what it perceived as Western and Israeli influence in the region.

Military and Social Services

From its inception, Hezbollah developed both as a militant group and a provider of social services. This dual approach helped it gain support among Lebanon’s Shiite population and establish itself as a “state within a state”.

Conclusion

Hezbollah was formed as a response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, with significant support from Iran, to represent and empower the Shiite community, resist Western influence, and oppose Israel. Its emergence was deeply rooted in the complex political and sectarian dynamics of Lebanon during the civil war period.