Hezbollah's Influence over the Lebanese Political System

Today, Hezbollah is at the peak of its influence over Lebanon, while remaining careful to stay behind the scenes and stick to the rules of the Lebanese political order. In October 2016, Hezbollah orchestrated the political deal that led to the appointment of as well as a government led by Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri and composed of a majority of ministers from March 8 alliance; 17 out of 30 ministers are from Hezbollah or allied parties, among them the defense, foreign affairs, and judicial ministries. The current president of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, is a known ally of Hezbollah, often defending the organization's activities and its armament. In June 2017, after great efforts on the part of Hezbollah officials, the Lebanese parliament passed a new electoral law that significantly increased its electoral power in parliament and further securing its representation.

Fundamentally, Hezbollah uses its military and political influence in Lebanon to subordinate state institutions to the service of its own interests:

1. The financial system: In order to evade monitoring of money transfers, Hezbollah consistently works to weaken the Lebanese banking system by means of deterrence and influence over top bankers, usually of Shiite origins.
2. Border crossings: In order to evade monitoring of arms transfers, Hezbollah maintains a network of influence over various border crossings, including Hariri Airport, Beirut Seaport, and the customs authority.
3. Local municipalities: Through Hezbollah-affiliated mayors and Mukhtars (heads of villages), Hezbollah consolidates its influence over public services, civilian infrastructure and its own public outreach.

Increasing Influence over the Lebanese Armed Forces

The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) is the official state body authorized to exert power at the request of the Lebanese government. As such, it benefits from foreign aid in the form of weapons and training from countries such as France, Saudi Arabia and the United States. However, Hezbollah's influence over the Lebanese government is growing steadily, and with it its influence over the Lebanese army.

Hezbollah holds great power within the decision making bodies that are responsible for overseeing the security apparatus and state sanctioned use of force, as well as deciding on matters of war and peace. On the Supreme Defense Council, the highest entity in Lebanon responsible for crafting national security policy, currently sit three ministers from March 8 alliance and three from March 14. With President Aoun as the head of the council, the March 8 alliance has a majority inside the body in charge of managing the state's most sensitive security matters.

Hezbollah's influence over the Lebanese army can also be seen on the surface and in the organization's infiltration into the ranks of the army. In August 2017, Hezbollah tanks were photographed fighting side by side with LAF tanks in the Battle of Arsal. This was a clear sign of cooperation between the two forces. Soon after, in September 2017, it was revealed that Hezbollah had planted an officer in the Lebanon Armed Forces. The mole, Major Yahya Husseini, was used to ensure Hezbollah's continued influence over the army and to act as a liasion between the army and Hezbollah.