Allies:

Hezbollah (Lebanon):

  • Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist political and militant group, is a major political force in Lebanon and maintains close ties with Iran and Syria.
  • Hezbollah has significant influence in Lebanese politics and society, with representation in parliament and involvement in social services and military activities.
  • Iran provides Hezbollah with financial, military, and ideological support, including weapons, training, and funding for its activities in Lebanon and the wider region.
  • Hezbollah is considered an ally of the Lebanese government, particularly its Shia political allies, and plays a significant role in Lebanese politics and security affairs.

Iran:

  • Lebanon enjoys a close relationship with Iran, marked by historical ties, cultural affinities, and mutual interests in countering Israeli influence and promoting Shia interests in the region.
  • Iran provides financial, military, and political support to Hezbollah, as well as economic assistance and investment to Lebanon.
  • The alliance between Lebanon and Iran is reinforced by their shared opposition to Israel, support for Palestinian rights, and opposition to Western influence in the Middle East.

Neutral:

United States and Western Countries:

  • Lebanon maintains diplomatic relations with the United States and Western countries, but the relationship is complex and often strained by regional tensions and domestic politics.
  • The United States provides financial assistance and military aid to Lebanon, particularly in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and security forces.
  • However, Lebanon’s relationship with the United States and Western countries is influenced by factors such as Hezbollah’s involvement in Lebanese politics, the Syrian conflict, and Lebanon’s delicate sectarian balance.

Enemies:

Israel:

  • Lebanon’s primary adversary is Israel, with whom it has been in a state of conflict since the establishment of Israel in 1948.
  • Israel has conducted multiple military operations and wars against Lebanon, including the 1982 invasion, the 2006 Lebanon War, and periodic airstrikes targeting Hezbollah and other militant groups.
  • Lebanon accuses Israel of violating its sovereignty, occupying Lebanese territory (the Shebaa Farms), and committing human rights abuses against Palestinians and Lebanese civilians.

Some Gulf States:

  • Lebanon has faced challenges from some Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have supported anti-Hezbollah political forces in Lebanon and accused Hezbollah of destabilizing the region.
  • The Gulf states view Hezbollah as a proxy of Iran and a threat to their interests in the Middle East, particularly in conflicts like the Syrian civil war and the Yemeni civil war.
  • Lebanon’s relationship with some Gulf states has been strained by regional tensions, sectarian divisions, and political differences, leading to diplomatic spats and fluctuations in bilateral relations.