Hezbollah's citizen loyalty is mixed, influenced by the organization's historical provision of social services to Shia areas, surpassing those offered by the Lebanese government. Post-1982, the Israeli invasion heightened perceptions of threat among Shias, leading to a belief that Israel intended to annex land, drawing further support toward Hezbollah. The group's successful expulsion of Israeli forces from South Lebanon contributed to its image as a defender against Israeli aggression, complicating the narrative of loyalty within the community.
The two are on the brink of starting a regional war. An analyst and a negotiator say without a ceasefire in Gaza, the Middle East could spin out of control.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin and Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King. Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images.
Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast
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