Saudi Arabia Says British Hizbullah Ban 'Constructive'

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday welcomed Britain's decision to outlaw the political wing of Lebanon's Hizbullah, describing it as an "important and constructive" step.

Britain announced on February 25 it would seek to make membership of the movement or inviting support for it a crime.

The decision followed outrage over the display of the Hizbullah flag, which features a Kalashnikov assault rifle, at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London.

"Categorizing the (Hezbollah) militia, which is backed by Iran, as a terrorist organization is an important and constructive step in combating terrorism around the world," said a foreign ministry source, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.

"Britain's decision is in line with the decision Saudi Arabia has taken towards the terrorist party, both politically and militarily."

London's move was welcomed by other foes of Iran, Hizbullah's key supporter, including the United States and Israel.

Hizbullah meanwhile said Britain had "insulted the sentiments and the will of the Lebanese."

In 2016, the Gulf Cooperation Council -- which includes regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates  -- designated Hizbullah a "terrorist" organization.

Hizbullah was established in 1982 during Lebanon's civil war and is now a major political party in the country, holding three cabinet posts.

Britain blacklisted Hizbullah's military wing in 2008 but had until now made no move against its political wing. 

However, British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said last Monday that any distinction between its military and political wings "does not exist."

The U.S. designated Hizbullah a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.