The resolution calls on  the Austrian government to work to prevent Hezbollah’s financing  through money laundering activities and urges Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to advocate within the European Union that Hezbollah’s entire organisation be reassessed in connection with a full terror designation.

Austrian People’s party MP Martin Engelbert noted that the separation of Hezbollah into political and military wings is an “invention” of the EU

 

The Austrian parliament has passed a resolution to “take appropriate and effective measures to act decisively against the terrorist and criminal activities of Hezbollah and its supporters in Austria,’’ which was praised by the World Jewish Congress (WJC).

The resolution was introduced in the National Council, Austria’s parliament, by members from the governing coalition parties, the Austrian People’s Party (OVP) and the Greens.

They underscored Austria’s responsibility toward the State of Israel, asserting that “the right of Israel to exist may not be called into question.” The resolution calls on  the Austrian government to work to prevent Hezbollah’s financing  through money laundering activities and urges Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to advocate within the European Union that Hezbollah’s entire organisation be reassessed in connection with a full terror designation.

Austrian People’s party MP Martin Engelbert noted that the separation of Hezbollah into political and military wings is an “invention” of the EU

“Hezbollah wants to destroy Israel and propagates antisemitism and spreads radical Islamic ideology,” said MPs Reinhold Lopatka and  Michaela Steinacker, from the Austrian People’s party—the lead partner in the coalition- and the Green party.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, who is a former U.S. Ambassador to Austria, praised the decision. “The Austrian Parliament’s resolution is a testament to Austria’s steadfast commitment to the State of Israel. The motion demonstrates Austria’s awareness of the true danger that Iran and its proxy Hezbollah pose to the security of all citizens, first and foremost to our global Jewish communities who are far too often thrust onto the front lines as the premier target of terrorist entities.’’

‘’The World Jewish Congress urges the European Union to take strong heed of Austria’s unequivocal demand to reassess its approach to Hezbollah and its accomplices, who are operating on every continent, including on European soil, with no regard or respect for the laws of the land.’’

Lauder stressed that Hezbollah ‘’is one of the worst terrorist organizations in the world.’’