Daily Current Affairs : 9-October-2023

In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, another significant player has emerged in the form of Hezbollah, a powerful militant organization operating in the Middle East. This essay delves into the origins and objectives of Hezbollah, shedding light on its involvement in the current crisis.

Understanding Hezbollah

Founded in 1982: Hezbollah, also known as the “Party of God,” was established in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Its creation was spurred by the need to combat Israeli forces that had invaded Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). The organization swiftly gained prominence due to its staunch anti-Israel stance.

Objectives: Hezbollah’s primary objectives revolve around exporting Iran’s Islamic Revolution and resisting Israeli aggression. Over the years, it has expanded its influence not only within Lebanon but also in the broader Middle East region. This expansion has led to alliances with various Iran-backed factions, including Palestinian groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Hezbollah’s Involvement in the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Targeting Israeli Military Positions: Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah has actively entered the fray by supporting Hamas. One of its notable actions involves targeting Israeli military positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms area. This move has escalated tensions in an already volatile region.

Hezbollah’s Global Reach

Connections Beyond Lebanon: Hezbollah’s influence is not limited to Lebanon’s borders. The organization maintains deep-rooted connections with other Iran-backed factions across the Middle East. Its alliances extend to Palestinian groups like Hamas, amplifying its impact on regional conflicts. This network strengthens Hezbollah’s position, allowing it to play a pivotal role in the larger geopolitical landscape.

Designation as a Terrorist Organization: While Hezbollah garners support from certain quarters, it faces staunch opposition from Western countries, particularly the United States. These nations designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization due to its involvement in armed conflicts and its anti-Israel stance. This classification reflects the global community’s concerns regarding the group’s activities and objectives.

Important Points:

  • Hezbollah’s Origin and Objectives
    • Founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
    • Emerged to combat Israeli forces during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990).
    • Primary objectives include exporting Iran’s Islamic Revolution and resisting Israeli aggression.
  • Hezbollah’s Global Influence
    • Extends beyond Lebanon’s borders, forming alliances with Iran-backed factions.
    • Maintains deep ties with Palestinian groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
    • Plays a pivotal role in shaping regional conflicts and alliances.
  • Hezbollah’s Involvement in the Israel-Hamas Conflict
    • Actively supports Hamas in the ongoing conflict with Israel.
    • Targets Israeli military positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms area, escalating tensions in the region.
  • Designation as a Terrorist Organization
    • Western countries, including the United States, label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
    • Opposition stems from Hezbollah’s involvement in armed conflicts and its anti-Israel stance.
  • Implications for the Middle East
    • Hezbollah’s actions impact immediate crises and have broader implications for regional peace and stability.
    • Understanding Hezbollah’s origins, objectives, and global reach is crucial for comprehending the complex dynamics of the Middle East.
Why In News

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, lending support to Hamas, is targeting Israeli military positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms area, escalating tensions and drawing international concern over the volatile situation in the region.

MCQs about Hezbollah

  1. What was the primary objective behind Hezbollah’s formation in 1982?
    A. To combat neighboring Arab nations
    B. To export Iran’s Islamic Revolution and resist Israeli aggression
    C. To promote democracy in Lebanon
    D. To establish a secular state in the Middle East
    Correct Answer: B. To export Iran’s Islamic Revolution and resist Israeli aggression.
    Explanation: Hezbollah was founded in 1982 with the objective of combating Israeli forces during the Lebanese Civil War and exporting Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
  2. Which Palestinian group has deep-rooted ties with Hezbollah?
    A. Fatah
    B. Hezbollah
    C. Hamas
    D. PLO
    Correct Answer: C. Hamas.
    Explanation: Hezbollah maintains deep ties with Palestinian groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, strengthening its influence in the region.
  3. Why is Hezbollah designated as a terrorist organization by Western countries, including the United States?
    A. Due to its involvement in armed conflicts and anti-Israel stance
    B. Due to its support for neighboring Arab nations
    C. Due to its promotion of democracy in the Middle East
    D. Due to its peaceful coexistence initiatives
    Correct Answer: A. Due to its involvement in armed conflicts and anti-Israel stance.
    Explanation: Western countries, including the United States, label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization because of its involvement in armed conflicts and its strong anti-Israel stance.
  4. In the current Israel-Hamas conflict, where did Hezbollah target Israeli military positions?
    A. Gaza Strip
    B. West Bank
    C. Shebaa Farms area
    D. Golan Heights
    Correct Answer: C. Shebaa Farms area.
    Explanation: Hezbollah targeted Israeli military positions in the disputed Shebaa Farms area, escalating tensions in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

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