Lebanon's Most Influential Political Parties

Hezbollah is Lebanon's most prominent political movement and has long been the country's most powerful force. Currently, its conflict with Israel gives Hezbollah a major voice in Lebanon's future, but also places it at the center of debate with other political groups, many of whom argue that Hezbollah should submit to state authority.

Lebanon's sectarian divisions are reflected in the large number of political movements, and the difficulty of forming a strong power center to help the country overcome political, security, and economic crises.

Below is a detailed look at some of Lebanon's most important political movements.

Hezbollah

Hezbollah, led by Secretary-General Naim Qassem, was founded in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) and Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon (1982–2000). It is funded by Iran and has close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Originally a branch of the Amal Movement, Hezbollah has become the strongest party both politically and militarily in Lebanon. It is a conservative Shia Islamic party that also provides social services in the absence of a strong Lebanese state.

Hezbollah is the only militia that was not disarmed after the civil war, arguing that its weapons are needed to fight Israel. In 2000, it achieved a major victory as the primary force driving Israel out of Lebanese territory. Hezbollah has kept its weapons, fought Israel in 2006, and since October 2023 has engaged in conflict in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

After Israel intensified attacks in 2024, killing many of Hezbollah's military leaders—including long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah—and following the fall of its ally Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Hezbollah is seen as weakened. The Lebanese government has attempted to disarm Hezbollah to establish a state monopoly on weapons, but Hezbollah resists, arguing it must continue to defend Lebanon from Israel.

After the civil war, Hezbollah entered politics, winning seats in parliament, serving as part of majority governments and the opposition, and using its power to influence the security apparatus.

Lebanese Forces (LF)

This nationalist, right-wing Christian party is currently the largest Christian party in the Lebanese parliament. The LF was formed during the civil war under Bashir Gemayel, who was elected president in 1982 but assassinated before taking office.

The LF originated from the Kataeb Party founded by Bashir's father, Pierre Gemayel. Today, Kataeb continues under Samy Gemayel's leadership. The LF and Kataeb cooperate closely politically. The LF is one of Hezbollah's strongest critics, opposing its weapons and its war with Israel.

The LF is led by Samir Geagea, a former militia commander during the civil war who was held in solitary confinement for 11 years and released after the end of Syria's occupation (1976–2005). The LF is a key member of the pro-Western March 14 alliance and currently holds four ministries in the Lebanese government.

Future Movement

Founded in 1995 by former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri (who was assassinated), the Future Movement officially became a party in 2007. At its peak, it was a multi-sectarian bloc including Sunnis and Christians, serving as the core of the March 14 alliance. Recently, the party has lost members and is now primarily a Sunni party.

The party is led by Rafik's son, Saad Hariri. Saad withdrew from politics in 2022 and did not run for office, but in 2026 announced that the Future Movement would return for the next parliamentary elections. Its base is Sunni communities in coastal cities such as Sidon, Beirut, and areas like Akkar.

Amal Movement

A key ally of Hezbollah, Amal is a Shia Islamic party that, together with Hezbollah, forms the “Shia Duo.” Amal has a less pronounced religious identity. The party was co-founded by Musa Sadr and Hussein al-Husseini under the name Movement of the Deprived. Amal (meaning hope in Arabic) is an acronym for the Lebanese Resistance Brigades.

Since 1980, Amal has been led by Nabih Berri, who has also served as Speaker of Parliament since 1992. Berri is seen as a bridge to Hezbollah. At age 88, Berri's health is rumored to be declining, and Amal's future is uncertain. The party currently holds two ministries in the government.

Free Patriotic Movement (FPM)

Founded in 1994 by former President and Army Commander Michel Aoun while in exile in Paris. After returning in 2005, Aoun allied with Hezbollah and Amal to form the March 8 alliance. At its height, the FPM had a multi-sectarian presence in parliament, but has recently lost support and is now primarily a Christian party.

After Aoun became president in 2016, his son-in-law Gebran Bassil took over the party and is currently subject to U.S. sanctions for corruption. The FPM has members in parliament but no ministers, and positions itself as an opposition voice against the current government.

Progressive Socialist Party (PSP)

Founded by Kamal Jumblatt in 1949, the PSP is primarily a Druze party and was active in the Lebanese Civil War. Kamal was a key figure in the Lebanese National Movement, advocating for a secular society, and was assassinated in 1977. His son Walid succeeded him, leading the party until 2023, when he handed leadership to his son Taymour. Walid remains a political consultant.

The PSP has allied with Hezbollah at times and also stood with the March 14 alliance. The party currently holds two ministries in the government, with its support concentrated in Druze villages in Mount Lebanon.