The podcast dives into Hezbollah's dual identity as a military and political force in Lebanon. It explores how recent military escalations along the Israel-Lebanon border are influenced by the Gaza conflict. The relationship between Hezbollah and Palestinian dynamics is examined, emphasizing their mutual support and strategic ties. Additionally, the interaction between Hezbollah and Hamas is discussed, highlighting their opposition to Israel. Finally, the podcast analyzes Hezbollah's military objectives and its geopolitical connections, particularly with Iran.
Hezbollah, emerging as a response to Israeli actions, seeks to assert its military presence while supporting Palestinian causes amid regional tensions.
The organization maintains a complex relationship with Hamas, cooperating against Israel yet balancing its own political stability within Lebanon.
Deep dives
The Origins and Evolution of Hezbollah
Hezbollah emerged in the late 1970s in response to Israeli military actions and the presence of the Palestinian Liberation Organization in southern Lebanon. The establishment of Hezbollah was driven by the aim to resist Israeli occupation, initially focusing on military operations rather than political ambitions. With support from Iran, Hezbollah developed not only as a military force but also entered Lebanon's political landscape in 1992, gaining legitimacy for its operations. Over the years, the organization maintained an arrangement with the Lebanese government, allowing it to conduct military activities while keeping a distance from political responsibilities.
Hezbollah's Relationship with Israel
Hezbollah and Israel have maintained a hostile relationship since the militia's inception, primarily viewing each other as adversaries. The situation saw a significant shift in 2000, when Israel withdrew its troops from most of southern Lebanon, interpreting this as a victory for Hezbollah. However, tensions reignited in 2006 when Hezbollah's kidnapping of Israeli soldiers led to a month-long conflict, resulting in extensive destruction in Lebanon. Despite a temporary truce following the war, recent developments in Gaza have prompted Hezbollah to reassert its military capabilities against Israel, uniting its cause with the Palestinians.
Hezbollah and Hamas: Ideological Links and Cooperation
Hezbollah and Hamas, despite their sectarian differences, share a common goal of opposing Israel, driven by their Islamic ideologies. This alignment is evident in their mutual support and the exchange of resources, including military assistance from Hezbollah to Hamas. Their cooperation reflects a strategic interest in weakening Israeli security, although each group maintains its own national objectives, mindful of their respective political landscapes. The relationship indicates a complex interplay where Hezbollah is motivated to support Palestinian causes while considering the implications for its own stability within Lebanon.
Hezbollah has both political and military wings both of which are designated by several countries as terror organisations. It emerged several decades ago in Lebanon.
Since Israel launched its war in Gaza in the wake of the Hamas attacks of October 7th, it has intensified its military activities along the border between Israel and Lebanon.
The persistent question has been what is it trying to achieve? Are the attacks intended as a show of support for the Palestinians in Gaza or an attempt to take advantage of Israel’s diverted military focus? And could this dangerous front lead to an all-out war in the Middle East?
This week on the Inquiry we are asking: What does Hezbollah want?
Contributors:
Aurélie Daher, Associate Professor in political science at the University Paris-Dauphine
Lina Khatib, Associate Fellow with the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House
Dr Bashir Saade, Lecturer of Politics and Religion at the University of Stirling in Scotland
Mehran Kamrava, Professor of government at Georgetown University in Qatar
Presenter: Tanya Beckett
Producer: Louise Clarke
Researcher: Matt Toulson
Editor: Tara McDermott
Technical Producer: Gareth Jones
Broadcast Co-ordinator: Jacqui Johnson
Image: Hezbollah Fighters and Mourners Attend Funeral of Top Commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut / NurPhoto / Contributor via Getty Images
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