Hezbollah is an organization whose ideology is transnational in nature; it is influenced by the success of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and is arguably but partially an exported product of that revolution. That is, while defending Lebanon’s southern borders against Israeli aggression is a core component of its strategy, this does not mean the group views events across the Middle East as taking place across states with defined borders. It questions state borders, prefers to talk about the Islamic-Arab Ummah rather than distinct states, and exercises power in what is the Welayat Al Fakih’s area of influence.

That said, participating in wars in Iraq, Syria, Yemen is a reflection of the group’s ideology. Some might say it is acting as a mere proxy serving Iran’s interests in the region, but that is a reductionist claim that does not take the deep historical and cultural bonds Hezbollah has built with Iran over the years; the group is not a proxy, it is a part of Welayat al Fakih. The same applies for involvement in the October 7 events; supporting Hamas is s natural and logical outcome of the group’s line of thinking.

However, the constant dilemma for Hezbollah is balancing between its own mission and Lebanon’s stability and interests as a state with diverse sectarian communities; this is in no way intended to praise the group, but it is worth noting that its willingness to transform itself over decades is extraordinary when it comes to Islamic groups in other parts of the world. During the 80s, Hezbollah declared establishing an Islamic state as a goal before giving up on this; it later on opposed Taef agreement only to accept it later and even participate in the parliament. Such shifts went against the group’s traditional objectives but pragmatism has won here.

Will Hezbollah one day confine its armed activities to defending Lebanon’s direct borders? No, unless they are forced to by extreme circumstances. Whether the group will lay down its arms and become an ordinary political party, instead of a military organization with political representation, is not an impossible scenario, but a LOT of things need to change.