How did Hezbollah evolve from a militia to a political entity in Lebanon?

Hezbollah transformed from a militia defending southern Lebanon against Israel into a legitimate political force within the country. This evolution gave them official status to continue their role as defenders while simultaneously developing into a political party that gained seats in Lebanon's legislature. Beyond military and political functions, Hezbollah now operates as a parallel government in areas under its control, providing critical social services to communities. This dual role as both a military defender and service provider has allowed the organization to establish deeper roots in Lebanese society while maintaining its original mission as the country's bulwark against Israel.