In a significant shift in regional politics, the Arab League has rescinded its classification of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. This move, announced on Saturday, marks a notable change in the Arab world's stance towards the Lebanon-based Shiite group.
Hossam Zaki, the assistant secretary-general of the Arab League told Egyptian Al-Qahera News Channel, "In previous Arab League decisions, Hezbollah was designated as a terrorist organization, and this designation was reflected in the resolutions, leading to the severing of communication based on these decisions." Hezbollah was classified as a terrorist group in March 2016. He added, "The League's member states concurred that the labeling of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization should no longer be employed."
The #Arab League no longer classifies Lebanese #Hezbollah as a #terrorist organization, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Hossam Zaki, announced on Saturday. #TheNewRegion pic.twitter.com/U5ZtE1EZgq
— The New Region (@thenewregion) June 30, 2024
Zaki further clarified the Arab League's position: "The League does not maintain terrorist lists and does not actively seek to designate entities in such a manner." Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper cited sources as saying that "Zaki informed Hezbollah that the League decided to lift its terrorist classification and believes that it has a major role in Lebanon's future."
This decision comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region. Hezbollah, known for its vast arsenal of rockets and its ties to Iran, has been actively engaged in cross-border attacks on northern Israel since October 8. These attacks followed a day after Israel suffered what it describes as the worst antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust, perpetrated by Hamas. Hezbollah boasts the world's largest rocket arsenal of any non-state actor, remains committed to what it calls the destruction of Israel, and adheres to an ideology of Jihad.
