Syrian Civil War and the “Axis of Resistance”
During the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, Hezbollah fought alongside the Syrian government against opposition forces. Nasrallah justified Hezbollah’s intervention by arguing that it was necessary to counter “Islamist extremists” and protect Lebanon from instability. Hezbollah’s role in the conflict significantly strengthened its military capabilities but also deepened sectarian divisions in Lebanon.
Nasrallah also promoted the concept of the “Axis of Resistance,” a coalition of Iran-backed groups opposed to Israel and the United States. This alliance included Hezbollah, Hamas, and various militias in Iraq and Syria.
2023 Hamas-Israel War and 2024 Assassination
In October 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, leading to a full-scale war between Israel and Hamas. Hezbollah engaged in cross-border clashes with Israeli forces in support of Hamas, further escalating tensions in the region.
On 27 September 2024, Nasrallah was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters. His death marked a significant turning point in Hezbollah’s leadership and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.