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| Hezbollah Chief Hasan Nasrallah |
Who is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political and military organization based in Lebanon. It was formed with the help of Iran during the 1982 Israeli invasion.
The objective was to spread the Islamic movement in Lebanon and fight the Israelis who attacked there. Hizbullah was originally formed by Shia Muslims.
Hezbollah's influence extends beyond Lebanon. The organization is involved in numerous conflicts across the Middle East, often acting as a proxy for Iranian interests. Its involvement in the Syrian civil war, where it fought alongside Syrian government forces against rebel groups and extremist groups.
Hezbollah's support for the four-term government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has helped stabilize Syria.
How strong is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah's greatest strength is its regional influence and military capabilities. Although their military might is limited compared to Israel, they are skilled in guerrilla warfare and missile attacks. Hezbollah has clashed with Israel several times and is known around the world for its resistance to Israel.
Hezbollah has a well-organized and trained military wing, numbering over a thousand members. They have rockets, missiles, drones and other advanced weapons, which are supported by Iran. Hezbollah has conducted several successful military operations against Israel in the southern part of Lebanon.
According to the claim of the head of Hezbollah, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, they have about 100,000 fighters. Although this number is limited to 20 to 50 thousand according to various neutral sources.
Hezbollah can attack anywhere in Israel if it wants. They have powerful rockets, drones and advanced weaponry. Although Israel has a skilled and powerful army compared to Hezbollah, this armed group has rockets and drones capable of striking up to 500 km.
In 2000, Hezbollah was widely credited with forcing Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and cementing its position as a powerful resistance force. This phenomenon has gradually helped Hezbollah become a major player in Lebanese national politics. They have already bagged several parliamentary seats and ministerial posts.
Hezbollah initially gained popularity by providing social services, health care, and education to Lebanon's marginalized Shiite population, particularly in the south and the Bekaa Valley. They act as defenders of Lebanon's sovereignty against foreign interference, particularly Israel and Western powers.
Over time, Hezbollah established itself as a formidable military force, waging guerilla warfare against Israeli forces and their allies.
Hezbollah's largest war with Israel was in 2006. The 34-day war with Israel left over 1,125 Lebanese dead, most of them civilians. In contrast, 164 people died in Israel, mostly soldiers. Since then, the group has tried to increase its capacity.
Reuters reports that since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad appointed Hezbollah to fight Sunni rebels in 2012, its military capabilities have increased.
Recently, the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired about 350 rockets into Israel. These drones have been used to attack military bases deep in Israel. According to the plan, the drones hit the target. Al Jazeera news.