Party of God refers to Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization founded in 1982. Hezbollah is considered a Shiite Islamist movement and is recognized as a significant political and paramilitary force within Lebanon. The term "Party of God" is a direct translation of Hezbollah's Arabic name, Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya, which reflects the group's religious and ideological foundations.
As a political party, the Party of God operates within the Lebanese parliamentary system, advocating for the rights and aspirations of Shiite Lebanese. Its political wing provides social services, education, and healthcare to its constituents, enhancing its popularity among the Shiite community. Hezbollah is also known for its military capabilities, which it developed after its formation in response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.
The Party of God has been involved in numerous conflicts, most notably the Lebanese civil war and subsequent confrontations with Israel. Hezbollah is known for its armed resistance against Israeli forces, which it considers an act of defense in response to Israeli aggression in Lebanon. The group's military wing is widely perceived to possess superior guerrilla warfare tactics, earning Hezbollah regional and international recognition as a formidable force.
However, the Party of God's armed activities have also led to its designation as a terrorist organization by several countries and organizations, including the United States and the European Union. The group has been accused of launching attacks against Israeli and Western targets and is known for its strong ties with Iran, which provides financial and military support.
