Australia has designated Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed and Lebanon-based group, as a terrorist organization in its entirety.
The Australian government said the militant group poses a “real and credible” threat to the country.
The group is already banned or has a terrorist designation, to various extents, in over 130 countries.
Home Affairs Minister of Australia, Karen Andrews, said in a statement: “The government has zero-tolerance for violence, and there is no cause – religious or ideological – that can justify killing innocent people.”
Australia’s decision means membership of the organization or providing support and funding for it will now be considered a criminal offense in the country.
Andrews also confirmed the government was following the advice from security agencies to list all of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization.
It is a significant shift from previous designations, which had only listed Hezbollah’s External Security Organization on the proscribed terror list. Hezbollah’s military wing has been on the list since 2003.
In May 2021, the United States had called on governments worldwide to take action against Hezbollah.
Last month, Saudi Arabia classified the Lebanon-based Al-Qard Al-Hassan association as a terrorist entity, citing a link to activities supporting Hezbollah by money laundering.
