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.