Amal Movement: Lebanon's Other Shia Party and Its Role in the Current Crisis
The Amal Movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, is Hezbollah's key domestic ally in Lebanon but may strengthen its role as the Shia community's patron in state institutions as Hezbollah weakens.
Amal and Hezbollah Alliance
The Amal Movement, led by Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, is one of two main Shia blocs in Lebanon and a close ally of Iran-backed Hezbollah. However, as Israel's war on Lebanon continues and parallel negotiations unfold between the US and Iran, as well as Israel and Lebanon, Tehran's support for its regional proxies is under scrutiny, which could have serious implications for Hezbollah.
Analysts say Amal is unlikely to abandon its close ties with Hezbollah soon, but its parliamentary representation and Berri's important constitutional role could allow it to consolidate its position as patron of the Shia community within state institutions. Uncertainty looms as Israel relaunched assaults on Lebanon in March 2026 after Hezbollah fired rockets in response to the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader.
History of Amal
Amal, an Arabic acronym meaning "hope," was founded in 1974 as the Movement of the Deprived by revolutionary Iranian-born Shia leader Musa Sadr and former Speaker Hussein al-Husseini. After Berri took over in 1980, many religious members switched to the newly formed Hezbollah, and the two sides fought each other during the Lebanese Civil War. Today they are allied, though tensions exist among some followers.
Hezbollah dominated strategic decisions within the Shia community due to its military strength and regional influence, but Amal maintained the largest official representation in state institutions. Berri often acts as a conduit between Hezbollah and foreign diplomats, highlighting their interdependence.
Amal After Berri
Berri, aged 88, is often seen wearing a plastic face shield, sparking speculation about his health and raising questions about Amal's future. Analyst Karim Safieddine expressed doubts about Amal's capabilities after Berri passes. However, many believe Beirut will struggle to disarm Hezbollah as long as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps supports it and Israel's invasion continues.
Despite Hezbollah's weakening, it still conducts drone attacks and clashes with Israel despite a government ban three months ago. Amal remains quiet, waiting for regional developments. Berri discreetly uses media to position himself within dominant trends in the Shia community.
Analyst Imad Salamey suggests Hezbollah's weakening creates an opening for Amal to re-emerge as a central political force, especially as it can present itself as a more acceptable Western partner while maintaining credibility among parts of the Shia community.
