Germany could ban all of Hezbollah next week

Political wing of Iran-backed group has not been proscribed by EU

Hezbollah's activities could be banned in Germany. Reuters

Germany is expected to designate all of Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation in a move that would extend restrictions on all activities of the Lebanese militant group.

The EU has proscribed Hezbollah’s military wing but not its political arm, despite its widespread anti-Semitism.

Der Spiegel reported that the foreign, justice and interior ministries had agreed on the move, which could be officially announced next week.

Germany has regarded dealing with Hezbollah’s political faction as necessary because of its influence on Lebanon’s government.

Hezbollah is accused of plotting and carrying out terror attacks across the globe, and Iran has been widely criticised for its backing of the group.

In September, the US ambassador to Germany urged the government to ban Hezbollah.

"The EU maintains an artificial differentiation between the military and political arm of Hezbollah," Richard Grenell said.

Mr Grenell described it as “Iran’s most-violent terrorist representatives”.

If enforced, the designation would put Hezbollah on a par with ISIS and ban the flying of its flag.

This year Britain proscribed all of Hezbollah because of “its attempts to destabilise the fragile situation in the Middle East", then interior minister Sajid Javid said.

“We are no longer able to distinguish between their already banned military wing and the political party."