The German Ministry of the Interior this morning (Thursday, 30 April 2020), issued a federal order banning the Hezbollah organization in Germany and stipulated enforcement measures under the provisions of the order. 

The order prohibits any contact with the organization's activists and does not distinguish between its military, political or social arms. According to the order, any use of the organisation’s symbols is prohibited and any of its assets that exist in Germany will be confiscated. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz welcomed the German decision, and said: “This is a very important decision and a valuable and significant step in the global fight against terrorism. I would like to express my appreciation to the German government for the move. I am certain that many governments in the Middle East and victims of Hezbollah terrorism share in my thanks. I call on additional European countries and the European Union to adopt this necessary policy and to recognize organization for what it is: Hezbollah – both its military and political wings - constitutes a terror organization, and that is how it must be treated.”