The U.S. has recently declared its support for Australia‘s decision to label the whole of Hizballah a terrorist organization as the group continues to wield considerable influence in Lebanon.
In a release by the U.S. Department of State, officials said the country’s former distinction between Hizballah's military wing and the rest of the organization was erroneous, and Australia changing its view of the organization is a major step for counter-terrorism.
"Hizballah is a dangerous terrorist organization that threatens the safety of the international community and undermines the sovereignty of the Lebanese state," state officials said in the release.
U.S. officials view the organizations' terrorist capabilities, propaganda machines, and corrupt financial networks as major obstacles to peace and stability in the Middle East and around the globe, the release said. The move is seen as a step toward neutralizing Hizballah's ability to operate in Australia and abroad.
Hizballah condemned Australia's decision as "servile submission to American and Zionist dictations" and "blind engagement in the service of Israel's policies based on terrorism, killing and massacres,” according to an article on VOA by The Associated Press.
Israel, which fought a monthlong war with Hizballah back in 2006, praised Australia's decision.
"Australia is a close friend of Israel in the global fight against terrorism. I call on additional countries and the European Union to join this pressure on Hizballah, to outlaw its activities, and to recognize the entirety of the organization as a terrorist organization," said Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in the article.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett of Israel had urged Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the UN climate conference to make the decision, The Times of Israel reported.
"I thank the government of Australia and my friend Scott Morrison for their intention to define Hizballah as a terrorist organization. We will continue to act in every way possible against terrorism, including in the international arena," Bennett tweeted.
