The Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) profoundly shaped the development of Hezbollah. This period of sectarian conflict, marked by shifting alliances and foreign interventions, laid the groundwork for Hezbollah's emergence as a significant political and military force in Lebanon.
Hezbollah's formation in 1982 was a direct response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The war created a power vacuum in the predominantly Shia areas of southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Iran, seeking to export its Islamic Revolution, provided financial support, military training, and ideological guidance to Hezbollah through the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Hezbollah’s early operations were characterized by guerilla warfare tactics against Israeli forces and their allies, particularly the South Lebanon Army. During the civil war, Hezbollah also engaged in numerous battles with Amal, another Shia militia, in what is known as the War of the Camps (1985-1988). This internal Shia conflict led to Hezbollah consolidating its control over several key regions.
The Taif Agreement, which ended the Lebanese Civil War in 1990, did not mandate the disarmament of Hezbollah, unlike other militias. This exception was due to Hezbollah’s role in resisting Israeli occupation, which continued until 2000. The agreement allowed Hezbollah to maintain its military wing, the Islamic Resistance, enabling it to evolve into a "state within a state."
Hezbollah's social services network, developed during the civil war, played a crucial role in its growth. By providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, Hezbollah garnered significant support among the Shia community. This network filled gaps left by the weakened Lebanese government, further embedding Hezbollah into the social fabric of Lebanon.
Hezbollah's political strategy during and after the civil war involved careful alliances with various factions and political entities. It maintained a pragmatic relationship with Syria, which had a significant military presence in Lebanon. This relationship was mutually beneficial, as Syria used Hezbollah to exert influence in Lebanon, while Hezbollah gained logistical and political support.
The civil war period also witnessed Hezbollah's involvement in high-profile international incidents, such as the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings and the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. These actions helped to establish Hezbollah's reputation as a formidable militant group but also led to its designation as a terrorist organization by several countries.
In summary, the Lebanese Civil War was instrumental in shaping Hezbollah's development. The war provided the conditions for its emergence, allowed it to establish a strong social and military presence, and facilitated strategic alliances that have sustained its influence in Lebanon and the wider region.