**Hezbollah: A Powerful Shia Group in Lebanon**
Hezbollah is a powerful Shia Muslim group in Lebanon that has been involved in violent conflicts with Israel. The group was formed by Shia militias to resist Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon in 1982.
**Goals and Ideology**
Hezbollah’s main goal is to eliminate Israel from the Middle East. They believe that Israel’s existence is illegitimate and must be confronted until it no longer exists. The group also seeks to establish a government based on Islamic principles.
**Relationship with Iran**
Hezbollah is backed by Iran, which provides financial, military, and political support to the group. This has made Hezbollah one of the most heavily-armed non-state military groups in the world.
**Recent Conflict with Israel**
The latest conflict between Hezbollah and Israel began in October 2023 when Hezbollah fired rockets across the border in solidarity with Hamas. Israel responded with air strikes and a land invasion of southern Lebanon. The conflict escalated in September 2024, resulting in heavy losses for both sides.
**Casualties and Aftermath**
Around 4,000 people, including many civilians, were killed in the offensive. Over half a million people have been forced to leave Lebanon since October 2023. Israel claims that 45 Israeli civilians and 75 soldiers were killed in the conflict up to November 2024.
A ceasefire agreement was announced on November 27, requiring both Hezbollah forces and Israeli forces to withdraw from the border area. The agreement also called for the destruction of Hezbollah’s infrastructure and the demilitarization of southern Lebanon.
**Leadership Changes**
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, died in October, and Naim Qassem was announced as his successor. However, the group’s strength has been significantly weakened due to heavy losses and the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, which disrupted Hezbollah’s connections with Iran.
**Support in Lebanon**
Despite its weakened state, Hezbollah still enjoys significant popular support from Shia Muslims who view it as a force of resistance against Israel. The group also provides essential services such as schools and healthcare facilities, making it a key player in Lebanese politics.