UK to Ban Hezbollah as Terrorist Group, Israel Urges EU to Follow Suit

Israel lauded London's decision on Monday to ban Hezbollah and urged the European Union likewise to class the Iran-backed Lebanese group in its entirety as a terrorist organization.

Britain had already proscribed Hezbollah's external security unit and its military wing in 2001 and 2008 respectively, but now wants to outlaw its political arm too.

"Hezbollah is continuing in its attempts to destabilize the fragile situation in the Middle East – and we are no longer able to distinguish between their already banned military wing and the political party," Home Secretary (interior minister) Sajid Javid said.

"Because of this, I have taken the decision to proscribe the group in its entirety," he added in a statement.

Israeli Security Minister Gilad Erdan thanked his British counterpart, saying in a tweet that "all who truly wish to combat terror must reject the fake distinction between 'military' & 'political' wings.”

"Now is the time for the #EU to follow suit!"

The British ban, which will come into force on Friday subject to parliament's approval, means anyone who is a member of Hezbollah or invites support will be committing a criminal offense with a potential sentence of up to 10 years in jail.

Explaining its decision, the British government said the organization continued to amass weapons in contravention of UN Security Council resolutions, while its support for the head of the Syrian regime, Bashar Assad, had prolonged the conflict and the "brutal and violent repression of the Syrian people".

UK’s plan to outlaw Hezbollah was first reported by the Sunday Telegraph.

The party is already deemed a terrorist organization by the United States which last week expressed concern about its growing role in Lebanon's government.