Hezbollah and Lebanon
Accusation: Israel is accused of aggression against Lebanon, invading its territory and bombing civilians, while Hezbollah is portrayed as defending Lebanese sovereignty.
The Short Answer
Hezbollah is an Iranian backed terrorist army that started firing at Israel on October 8, 2023, the day after the Hamas massacre. About 60,000 Israelis were forced from their homes in the north.
Israel withdrew fully from Lebanon in 2000, as the UN confirmed. Israel fights Hezbollah because it refuses to disarm and keeps attacking Israeli towns.
What Is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah, the Party of God, was created in Lebanon in 1982 with the help of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. It is part political party, part social network and above all an army that answers to Tehran.
Its record of terror reaches far beyond Israel. The 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut killed 241 American service members, and a second blast killed 58 French paratroopers. Hezbollah has also been tied to the bombings of the Israeli embassy and the AMIA Jewish center in Buenos Aires.
Israel Left Lebanon in 2000
Israel withdrew every soldier from southern Lebanon in May 2000, and the UN confirmed the withdrawal. Hezbollah kept attacking anyway. In 2006 it crossed the border, killed Israeli soldiers and kidnapped two, which started the Second Lebanon War.
That war ended with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which required that no armed group other than the Lebanese army operate south of the Litani River. Hezbollah ignored it and built a huge arsenal there, while UN peacekeepers failed to stop it.
The War That Began on October 8
On October 8, 2023, one day after the Hamas massacre, Hezbollah opened fire on northern Israel. About 60,000 Israelis had to leave their homes, and many lived as refugees in their own country for more than a year.
In July 2024 a Hezbollah rocket struck a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, killing twelve children. In September 2024 Israel struck back, targeting Hezbollah's command, and its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed.
A ceasefire took effect in November 2024, but Hezbollah never disarmed. In 2026 it joined Iran's war against Israel, and the fighting resumed. Talks over its disarmament continue, and the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon is set to end on December 31, 2026.
Israel Is Not at War With Lebanon
Israel has no claim on Lebanese land and no quarrel with the Lebanese people, many of whom resent Hezbollah for dragging their country into Iran's wars. Israel warns civilians before many strikes, while Hezbollah hides weapons in villages and homes. Read more: Is Israel Committing War Crimes?
Key Facts About Hezbollah
Founded in 1982 with help from Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Designated a terrorist organization by the US, the UK, Canada, Germany and others.
Israel withdrew fully from Lebanon in 2000, confirmed by the UN.
Hezbollah opened fire on Israel on October 8, 2023, unprovoked.
UN Resolution 1701 required Hezbollah to stay out of southern Lebanon. It never complied.
How to Respond
Ask why Hezbollah attacked Israel the day after October 7, when Israel had no troops in Lebanon.
Remind people of the twelve children killed in Majdal Shams.
Point out that Hezbollah takes its orders and weapons from Iran.
Explain that Lebanon will only be free when Hezbollah is disarmed.
Conclusion
Israel does not want war with Lebanon. It wants its northern towns to be safe. As long as Hezbollah keeps its weapons and its loyalty to Iran, neither Israel nor Lebanon will know peace.