In first public speech since EU decision to blacklist Hezbollah’s military wing, Shiite group’s leader wonders why Israeli army not treated similarly for ‘massacres and occupation’
Roi Kais
YNET
July 24, 2013
Two days after the EU classified Hezbollah’s military wing as a terror organization, the Shiite group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah has demanded to know why the 28-nation bloc failed to recognize the IDF as a terror organization.
“Europe has succumbed to pressure; it has not been truly convinced” that Hezbollah is a terror organization,” the Lebanese group’s secretary general said in a speech at the end of Wednesday’s Ramadan fast.
In a televised speech to the women of the organization, Nasrallah commented on the EU’s decision for the first time, saying: “The decision did not surprise us, we had anticipated it for some time. We were even surprised it took so long.”
“The Israelis clearly stated that the decision was a result of their diplomatic efforts. It is clear that for them, this is a big victory and cause for joy.”
Hezbollah’s secretary general wondered why Israel itself was not added to the dubious list: “Why don’t you classify the State of Israel as a terror state? Why don’t you classify Israel’s military wing, the IDF, as a terror organization if you recognize Israel is occupying Arab lands and refuses to implement international decisions for decades now? The entire world bares witness to the massacres perpetrated by Israel.”
He also pointed a finger at Washington, as well as at Jerusalem: “Israel and the US invested a lot in exerting pressure on Europe to embrace this position,” Nasrallah said, adding that the move serves only Israel’s interests.