Hezbollah’s Role in Lebanese Politics
Beyond its military actions, Hezbollah under Nasrallah became a dominant political force in Lebanon. After the Israeli withdrawal in 2000 and the 2006 war, Hezbollah’s popularity among Lebanese Shia continued to grow. The group positioned itself as a protector of Lebanon against Israeli aggression and expanded its social services network, providing healthcare, education, and welfare to impoverished communities.
Hezbollah’s political role expanded further after the 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Many in Lebanon accused Hezbollah and its allies in Syria of being behind the assassination, leading to widespread protests and the eventual withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon. However, Hezbollah denied involvement in Hariri’s assassination, and Nasrallah maintained that the accusations were part of an international conspiracy to weaken the group.
Despite the controversy, Hezbollah continued to consolidate its political power, entering Lebanon’s government in 2005 as part of a coalition. Over time, Hezbollah gained significant influence in Lebanon’s parliament and government ministries, allowing it to shape domestic policies and protect its interests.