Swiss Lawmakers Vote to Ban Hezbollah

Photo Credit: Wikimedia / Flooffy

Switzerland's Federal Palace, seat of the government and parliament of the Swiss Confederation in the city of Bern. July 2009

Switzerland’s Parliament voted Tuesday to outlaw the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

Supporters of the ban, which was passed by the lower house after receiving upper house approval last week, called Hezbollah a “threat to international security,” saying the measure was needed to “take a stand against terrorism.”

The ban, which contains a provision on peace talks and humanitarian aid, was nonetheless opposed by the Swiss government.

“If Switzerland now moves to ban such organizations with special laws, we must ask ourselves where and how the boundaries are drawn,” Justice Minister Beat Jans said during the parliamentary debate.

The move comes one week after the country’s House of Representatives and Senate voted to ban Hamas “and related organizations” for an initial period of five years.

The government proposal was drawn up following the October 7, 2023, invasion and attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Swiss lawmakers have the option of extending the ban in ordinary legislative procedure.

It’s not yet clear when either ban will take effect.

At present, only Al Qaeda and Islamic State are outlawed in Switzerland. Both groups appear on the United Nations list of terrorist organizations.