Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

We commend Germany for banning Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization and for taking strong action against suspected Hizballah supporters. Obstructing this terrorist organization’s ability to plot terrorist attacks and to raise money will further reduce Iran’s malign behavior and influence.

The world increasingly recognizes Hizballah for what it is – not a defender of Lebanon as it claims to be, but a terrorist organization dedicated to advancing Iran’s malicious agenda. In addition to killing many of their own compatriots, Iran-sponsored terrorist group Hizballah has American blood on its hands and continues to plot and carry out attacks around the world.

With this action, Germany joins the growing ranks of nations that reject the false distinction between Hizballah’s terrorist operations and a purported “political” wing, including recent designations by Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, Kosovo, Paraguay, and the United Kingdom. We urge other EU member states to follow suit and hold Hizballah accountable for its terrorist activities.