US Sanctions Two Hezbollah Representatives in Lebanese Parliament

The United States has added the names of two Hezbollah representatives in the Lebanese parliament to its sanctions blacklist. Hezbollah is an Iran-backed organization, and this marks the first time Washington has sanctioned elected Hezbollah politicians in Lebanon.

The US Treasury Department announced on Tuesday, July 9 (18th of Tir), that Amin Sherri and Mohammad Hassan Raad, Lebanese parliamentary representatives nominated by Hezbollah, along with Wafiq Safa, Hezbollah’s liaison and coordination officer, have been added to its sanctions blacklist.

The names of these individuals were mentioned in connection with terrorism, and the US Treasury Department stated that Hezbollah uses its parliamentary power to advance violent activities.

Sigal Mandelker, Deputy Secretary of the US Treasury Department, said that Hezbollah uses its representatives in the Lebanese parliament to facilitate directives of the group as well as Iran. The US has repeatedly called on the international community to place Hezbollah on its terrorist list.

History of Hezbollah Sanctions by the US and Western Countries

Hezbollah is a large Shiite paramilitary organization in Lebanon that receives financial and military support from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The organization has three ministers in Lebanon’s new government.

On February 7 of this year, Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, recommended to the Lebanese government that it obtain weapons from Iran to counter Israeli air attacks.

Hassan Nasrallah considers himself a follower and implementer of the orders of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hezbollah operates in close cooperation with the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran.

Previously, the United States, Canada, Israel, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council had designated Hezbollah in Lebanon as a complete terrorist organization.

Source: DW