Lebanese Hezbollah (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Dec. 4, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF10703 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Clayton Thomas; Jim Zanotti |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Hezbollah (“Party of God,” also spelled Hizballah) is an
Iran-backed Lebanese Shia militia and U.S.-designated
Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Hezbollah is an
Iranian partner force, helping Tehran project power across
the region, train allied militias (reportedly including
Hamas), and threaten U.S. interests and allies across the
region. Formed in the wake of the 1982 Israeli invasion of
Lebanon, the group has conducted numerous attacks against
Israeli and Western targets. In addition to authorizing
sanctions against Hezbollah, Congress has sought to bolster
Lebanese state institutions to counter its influence.
On October 8, 2023, the day after Hamas-led attacks on
Israel, Hezbollah began firing projectiles into northern
Israel as part of its stated support for Hamas. Subsequent
clashes between Hezbollah and Israel displaced tens of
thousands on both sides of the border. Conflict escalated
significantly in September and October 2024, with Israel
killing longtime Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and
launching ground operations against the group in southern
Lebanon. These and other Israeli actions appear to have
taken a significant toll on Hezbollah’s manpower, arsenal,
and leadership, but the group retains some military
capabilities, as well as influence in Lebanon’s political
system.
A U.S.- and French-brokered cease-fire between the two
sides went into effect in November 2024. The United States
and Israel apparently hope that the cease-fire’s terms allow
for better enforcement of the largely unimplemented
provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which
was adopted shortly after the last Israel-Hezbollah war in
2006.
