How did Hezbollah's Lebanon come into being, why is it not considered a Muslim country?

Israel-Hezbollah War: Lebanon, which is today facing devastation from Israeli attacks, is one of the most ancient countries in the world. It is a small mountainous country, which has been under many rulers at different times. After gaining independence from France in 1943, people of different religions were given power in Lebanon. But this religious division later led to political conflict, which resulted in civil war and the rise of Hezbollah.

History and Culture of Lebanon

Lebanon's cultural heritage dates back to the rule of the Phoenicians from 2500 BC. After this, the region was ruled by Persians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, and Ottoman Turks. In modern history, the Republic of Lebanon was formed after independence from French colonialism in 1943. Lebanon's population majorly consists of Shia, Sunni Muslim, Christian and Druze communities. This religious and cultural mix of the country sets it apart from other Muslim-majority countries, which is why Lebanon is not called a Muslim nation.

Rise of Hezbollah

During the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), growing instability and foreign intervention in the country gave rise to several armed groups. Meanwhile, Hezbollah was formed with the support of Iran and Syria after the Israeli attack in 1982. This Shia community-based organization gradually strengthened in the southern part of the country and Beirut, and today it is a powerful military and political organization.

Current situation in Lebanon

Hezbollah's influence is no longer limited to Lebanon, but it receives economic and military support from Iran. Its strong military organization plays a decisive role in Lebanon's government and regional politics. Although Hezbollah is also a part of the Lebanese government, its military and political wings have different objectives and functions.

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

After Hamas attacked Israel in 2023, Hezbollah began attacking northern Israel. As a result, Israel launched airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, causing heavy losses to the organization. Israel killed several top Hezbollah commanders, and eventually killed its leader Hassan Nasrallah in September 2024 by attacking the organization's underground headquarters in Beirut.

Lebanon's current crisis is the result of Hezbollah's rise and regional conflicts, which have turned this ancient and culturally rich country into a battlefield.