Austria banned Hezbollah in its entirety this week, going beyond the European Union policy of outlawing the Lebanese terrorist group’s so-called military arm.
“This is a very clear signal,” said Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, after the Council of Ministers approved the proposal to include Hezbollah in a law banning the use of certain symbols. “This step reflects reality. The group itself makes no distinction between the military and the political arm.”
Schallenberg said Hezbollah “poses a serious threat to the stability in the region and to the security of Israel. Israel’s right to exist must not be called into question.”
The Austrian foreign minister also said it was unfortunate that there has not been any progress on the UN Security Council’s call to disarm Hezbollah.The Israeli Foreign Ministry said they “praise the decision, which is important in the fight against terrorism.”
Austria banned the symbols of other Islamist groups, too: Hizb ut-Tahrir, the Caucusus Emirate and the Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front.
The European Union outlawed activities by Hezbollah’s military arm while allowing its political wing, even though the Shi’a terrorist group does not consider them to be separate.
Other European countries that have entirely banned Hezbollah include the Netherlands, Germany, Estonia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia.ELNET, an organization that encourages Europe-Israel ties, said that it "applauds Austria's decision to join Germany, the UK, and six other European countries in designating Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization. Sending a clear message against terrorism and violence in the region is especially important in these difficult days."