General information
First Active Year: 1990
Current Name: Hezbollah
Current Name full English: Party of God
Current Name full native language: Hezbollah
Original Name: Hezbollah
Original Name full English: Party of God
Original Name full native language: Hezbollah
Actor Chronology
This section contains information about (if applicable) group splinters, name changes, and alliances according to the UCDP definitions of these concepts.
UCDP has not recorded any Chronology Activities involving this group.
Conflict issues
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Conflict Goal Issues: Hezbollah (Sometimes Hizbullah or Hizbollah, among other variations) was founded in 1982 in conjunction with Israel’s occupation of Southern Lebanon. The group was characterized by an Islamic, Anti-Zionist ideology. While the group was founded sometime in 1982, Hezbollah’s first publicly expressed concerns over conflict issues appeared in a 1985 letter which became foundational to the group’s ideology, guiding principles and method of warfare. The first conflict goal issues pertained to changing Lebanon into an Islamic state and the destruction of Israel. It should be noted that Hezbollah have since the earliest stages of the conflict insisted that the establishment of an Islamic state should be a voluntary decision left to the Lebanese people, only to be enacted should the majority support it. Hezbollah remained mostly consistent in its pursuit of the previously stated conflict goal issues, though it did briefly decide that it would no longer pursue transforming Lebanon into an Islamic state in 1996, that change was quickly reverted. Hezbollah also increased the total number of conflict goal issues over the course of the conflict. The new issues do not appear to represent an ideological shift but could likely be attributed to Hezbollah’s organizational expansion and increased influence, epitomized by its transition into having both an armed branch and a branch serving as a political party. Of the located conflict goal issues, four appear to have received a more frequent mention and been raised by the group over a longer period of time, relative to other issues. The first of these are the establishment of an Islamic state. Though the group did briefly state that they were no longer pursuing such reforms, it has by in large been a heavily emphasized, recurring issue. Stating in 2004 “Hizbullah does not wish to implement Islam forcibly, but rather in a peaceful and political manner, which gives the majority the chance to either accept or refuse it”. Economic reforms, electoral reform and public services also received frequent and continual mention, relative to other issues.
Conflict Dynamics Issues: The earliest located conflict dynamics issues were raised in the 1985 letter and pertained to atrocities and abuses committed against the Muslim population, Israeli military conduct and expelling Israeli forces out of the occupied territory. Hezbollah claimed that “They invaded our country, destroyed our villages, slit the throats of our children, violated our sanctuaries and appointed masters over our people who committed the worst massacres against our umma”. Hezbollah continually raised many of the same issues throughout the conflict. Particularly common among conflict dynamics issues were allegations of atrocities and abuses, demands for Israel to withdraw their forces from occupied territory, release of prisoners and for the removal of foreign influence, most often in reference to Israeli or US involvement. While most issues in the conflict dynamics tier were raised in a moderately continuous fashion, a few issues received significantly more attention, and were raised at a much higher frequency and could therefore be classified as the main issues for the group. Most significant of these were decreased foreign involvement via the withdrawal of foreign forces, as well as atrocities and abuses. Hezbollah would often discuss themselves as being leaders of the resistance and in doing so, expelling Israel was a core issue and later, a great source of pride, for the group. In 2004, Hezbollah described this notion as follows “The seed of resistance is also sowed deep in the ideological beliefs of Hizbullah, a belief that is expressed in the struggle against the Zionist occupation of Lebanon”.
Conflict Resolution Issues: The 1985 letter also contains the first conflict resolution issues located by the project. Specifically Hezbollah raised the issue of accountability in regards to the atrocities committed against the Muslim and Christian population as well as made clear their intention to not accept any form of agreement with Israel, writing, “We recognize no treaty with it, no cease fire, and no peace agreements, whether separate or consolidated”, further explaining that they do not accept recognition or even implied recognition of “the Zionist entity”. Hezbollah raised fewer issues on the conflict resolution tier but showed remarkable consistency in the few issues they did raise. Most interesting perhaps, and indicative of the group’s character and conviction, was the consistency with which they voiced opposition to negotiations. Of the coded conflict resolution issues, opposition to negotiations was most frequently raised issue, as well as the issue which received most emphasis. It appears as though Hezbollah placed great importance and belief in the inevitability of success of the intifada and the righteousness of their cause. Already in 1985 the group stated: “We vigorously condemn all plans for negotiation with Israel, and regard all negotiators as enemies, for the reason that such negotiation is nothing but the recognition of the legitimacy of the Zionist occupation of Palestine”.
Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Basic needs, Childrens rights, Citizenship reforms, Civil rights, CPS: Islamic state, CPS: Other/undefined system, Decentralization, Economic reforms, Education system: culture, Education system: increase religion, Electoral reform, Executive power-sharing: interim, Foreign policy reform, Freedom of expression, Hold elections, Land reforms, Protection of cultural heritage, Protection of natural resources/the environment, Public services, Referendum, Religious rights, Water resources
Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Call for collective targeting: ethnic, Call for collective targeting: other group, Call for collective targeting: religious, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, DFI: Withdrawal of international monitoring, DFI: Withdrawal of military intervention/foreign forces, DFI: Withdrawal of political support, DFI: Withdrawal of sanctions, IFI: Military intervention/foreign forces, IFI: Political support, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Military conduct, Release of prisoners, Return of refugees/IDPs
Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Call for ceasefire, Call for implementation/abiding to ceasefire, Opposition to negotiations, Opposition to peace agreement, Structure of negotiations
Annual information
This section contains annual information systematically collected by the UCDP.
1989
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Amal - Hezbollah
1990
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Amal - Hezbollah
1991
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
1992
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - SLA
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
1993
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - SLA
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
1994
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - Civilians
Hezbollah - SLA
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
1995
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - SLA
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
1996
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
1997
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
1998
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - SLA
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
1999
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - SLA
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
2000
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - SLA
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
2006
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
2008
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - PSP
2013
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - Jabhat Fateh al-Sham
Brigades of Aisha - Hezbollah
2014
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - Jabhat Fateh al-Sham
2015
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - Jabhat Fateh al-Sham
Hezbollah - IS
2017
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Hezbollah - HTS
2023
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
2024
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
2025
Actor Active in Dyad(s):
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Group Archive
This section contains annual information no longer systematically collected by the UCDP.
1990 Group Archive
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 3500
Secondary Support: Financial support, training and weapons. Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
Amal - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
1991 Group Archive
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 3500
Secondary Support: Financial support, training and weapons. Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
1992 Group Archive
Hezbollah - SLA
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Comment on Active: In 1992 Israel killed Abbas Musawi, Hezbollahs leader. He was replaced by Hassan Nasrallah.
Troop Size: 3000
Secondary Support: Iran provided training for the Hezbollah and PIJ. There are reports that Iran supported the Hezbollah bombings of Israeli objectives in Argentina. Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
1993 Group Archive
Hezbollah - SLA
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 3000
Secondary Support: Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
1994 Group Archive
Hezbollah - Civilians
Hezbollah - SLA
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 3000
Comment on Troop Size: Troop size estimates for this year vary between 2500 and 3000.
Secondary Support: Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
1995 Group Archive
Hezbollah - SLA
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 3000
Secondary Support: Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
1996 Group Archive
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 3000
Secondary Support: Hezbollah leaders stated they were supported from Iran with arms and finances. They aslo stated that their cooperation with Syria was essential for their survival, without further specifying the type of support. Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
1997 Group Archive
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 300 - 500
Comment on Troop Size: 300 - 500 active
3000 in support
Secondary Support: Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
1998 Group Archive
Hezbollah - SLA
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 300 - 500
Comment on Troop Size: 300 - 500 active fighters, with probably up to 3 000 part-time/supporting units
Secondary Support: Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
1999 Group Archive
Hezbollah - SLA
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 300 - 500
Comment on Troop Size: 300 - 500 active fighters, but probably up to 3 000 part-time/supporting units
Secondary Support: Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
2006 Group Archive
Government of Israel - Hezbollah
Comment on Name: Hezbollah, Arabic meaning the "Party of God". Other spellings include Hizballah, Hezbullah, Hizbollah.
Troop Size: 1000-2000
Comment on Troop Size: Hezbollah is composed of a core of up to 2,000 full-time members and fighters, but probably retain a few thousand part-time fighters that can be mobilized in times of emergency. On top of this Hezbollah enjoys widespread support in Lebanese society, mainly among the Shiites, and also has seats in the Lebanese parliament and government.
Secondary Support: Estimates of Iranian aid to Hezbollah vary, but usually range between 60 million US$ and 300 million US$ per year, depending on year and researcher. Note that only part is used in fighting Israel, as much goes in social programs in Southern Lebanon.
