Britain’s decision to ban all parts of the group Hezbollah in 2019 came after pro-Israel lobbying efforts within Westminster, shifting from the previous distinction between its military and political wings. The move was influenced by figures like former UK foreign minister and Tory peers.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist group, has political and paramilitary aspects, holding seats in the Lebanese government. However, Israel has launched attacks on Lebanon under the pretext of targeting Hezbollah, resulting in casualties and tensions.
The ban was championed by Conservative Friends of Israel (CFI) and Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) members in Parliament, aiming to stop the group’s presence in the UK. Some politicians raised concerns about the ban’s implications on UK interests and Lebanon’s political landscape.
The lobbying efforts by pro-Israel groups led to the ban despite some opposition within political circles. The contentious decision highlighted the influence of lobby groups in shaping UK foreign policy decisions regarding Hezbollah.
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