Deaths on January 24

Elie Hobeika, Lebanese commander and politician (b. 1956)

Elie Hobeika (Arabic: إيلي حبيقة; born September 22, 1956, died January 24, 2002) was a prominent and controversial figure during and after the Lebanese Civil War. Originally a commander within the Lebanese Forces (LF) militia, he was widely known for his close relationship with Bashir Gemayel, the influential leader and President-elect of the Lebanese Forces. His later political career saw him serve in the Parliament of Lebanon, even as he remained a figure of significant contention due to his past.

Early Life and Role in the Lebanese Forces

Hobeika's rise to prominence began within the ranks of the Lebanese Forces, a predominantly Maronite Christian militia that played a critical role in the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). Within the LF, Hobeika quickly ascended, becoming the head of its intelligence and security apparatus. This strategic position placed him at the heart of the militia's operations and intelligence gathering, making him a trusted confidant and key operative for Bashir Gemayel, the charismatic military commander who led the LF and was elected President of Lebanon in August 1982.

The Sabra and Shatila Massacre and Its Aftermath

Hobeika gained widespread international notoriety following the horrific Sabra and Shatila massacre, which occurred between September 16 and 18, 1982. This tragic event unfolded in the aftermath of the assassination of President-elect Bashir Gemayel on September 14, 1982. In what was widely believed to be an act of retaliation, Lebanese Christian Phalange militia forces, including elements of the Lebanese Forces under Hobeika's operational command, were allowed by the Israeli military to enter the Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila in Beirut. During the subsequent 48-hour period, hundreds, potentially thousands, of Palestinian and Lebanese civilians, including women and children, were indiscriminately slaughtered. As the head of intelligence for the Lebanese Forces, Hobeika was implicated due to his alleged role in directing or overseeing the militia members who entered the camps, and his perceived control over their actions. While Hobeika consistently denied direct involvement in the killings, multiple investigations and testimonies, including those presented to Israel's Kahan Commission of Inquiry, pointed to his central role in facilitating and supervising the entry of the Phalange forces, thus making him a key figure of accountability for the massacre.

From Militia Commander to Political Figure

Following the intense scrutiny and public outrage surrounding the Sabra and Shatila massacre, Hobeika's position within the Lebanese Forces became increasingly precarious. In 1986, he was ultimately ousted from his leadership of the Lebanese Forces political party by a rival faction led by Samir Geagea, following Hobeika's controversial attempt to sign the "Tripartite Agreement" in Damascus. This accord, aimed at ending the civil war, was largely seen by his internal opponents as a concession to Syria and pro-Syrian factions, leading to a violent internal power struggle known as the "War of the Flags" or "War of Liberation."

After his ouster from the LF, Hobeika adapted to the shifting political landscape. He founded his own political organization, the Promise Party (Wa'ad Party), and successfully transitioned into mainstream Lebanese politics. He was subsequently elected to serve two terms in the Parliament of Lebanon, representing the Chouf district. During his parliamentary tenure, he also held ministerial portfolios, serving as Minister of Social Affairs and Disabled (1992-1996) and later as Minister of Electricity and Water Resources (1996-1998), demonstrating his ability to maintain a significant presence in post-civil war Lebanese governance despite his controversial past.

Assassination and Lingering Questions

Elie Hobeika's life came to an abrupt and violent end on January 24, 2002. He was assassinated by a powerful car bomb detonation near his home in the Hazmieh district of Beirut. The explosion, which also claimed the lives of three of his bodyguards, left a crater several meters wide, indicating a significant amount of explosives. His assassination occurred just days after he had publicly expressed his intention to testify before a Belgian court regarding the Sabra and Shatila massacre. A civil lawsuit filed in Belgium under universal jurisdiction principles accused Ariel Sharon, then Israeli Prime Minister, of involvement in the massacre. Hobeika's potential testimony, which he claimed would implicate Sharon and others, created intense international interest and speculation about the motives behind his killing. While the perpetrators of the assassination were never definitively identified, and no one was officially brought to justice, theories abound, often linking the attack to his impending testimony, given the high stakes and potential for international repercussions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elie Hobeika

Who was Elie Hobeika?

Elie Hobeika was a prominent Lebanese figure, initially a commander within the Christian Lebanese Forces militia during the Lebanese Civil War, known for his close ties to Bashir Gemayel. He later transitioned into a political career, serving two terms in the Lebanese Parliament and holding ministerial positions.

What was Elie Hobeika's role in the Sabra and Shatila massacre?

As the head of intelligence for the Lebanese Forces, Hobeika was widely implicated in the Sabra and Shatila massacre of September 1982. While he denied direct involvement in the killings, he was accused of facilitating and overseeing the entry of Phalange militia forces into the Palestinian refugee camps where hundreds of civilians were slaughtered.

Why was Elie Hobeika assassinated?

Elie Hobeika was assassinated by a car bomb in January 2002, shortly after he announced his intention to testify in a Belgian court regarding the Sabra and Shatila massacre. The timing led to widespread speculation that his death was linked to his potential testimony, which he claimed would implicate high-ranking Israeli officials, including then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

What political party did Elie Hobeika lead after the Lebanese Forces?

After being ousted from the leadership of the Lebanese Forces in 1986, Elie Hobeika founded and led his own political organization, the Promise Party (Wa'ad Party).