Hezbollah Leader Again Requests Financial Support from Supporters

Following the reinstatement of all U.S. sanctions against Iran and amid increasing pressure from Western countries on Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the group, once again called for financial assistance from his supporters in his latest speech. On Friday, March 8, he stated during a broadcast on 'Al-Manar' television: 'Today I announce that the resistance needs popular support... Sanctions and terrorist lists are a form of war and should be viewed as wartime conditions.' The U.S. has designated Hezbollah and all its branches as 'terrorist' and has intensified financial pressures and sanctions against this group supported by the Islamic Republic in recent months. The U.S. has repeatedly urged European countries to classify all branches of Hezbollah as terrorist organizations. The military wing of Hezbollah has been on the European Union's 'terrorist groups' list since 2013, but the EU had exempted the political wing. However, about two weeks ago, Britain announced that Hezbollah's activities are 'destabilizing in the Middle East' and that it will no longer distinguish between the various branches of the group, labeling the political wing as 'terrorist' as well. Nevertheless, Niels Annen, the German Deputy Foreign Minister, stated in an interview published on Friday in Der Spiegel that his country does not intend to follow Britain's decision. Despite this, according to Reuters, Nasrallah said in his remarks on Friday: 'The actions of our enemies will not make us poor, hungry, or isolated. Those who support us will continue to support us.' The Islamic Republic is considered the main financial and military supporter of Hezbollah and has always emphasized the continuation of this support. Last month, during the visit of Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister, to Beirut, Nasrallah expressed hope that the Islamic Republic would continue its support despite sanctions and pressures. Zarif had emphasized during that meeting that the Islamic Republic adheres to its 'fundamental principles and stands by Lebanon.' Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, tweeted in reference to Nasrallah's recent remarks: 'Nasrallah broke his silence; but not for International Women's Day, rather to raise the need for money.' This group is in a severe financial crisis due to sanctions against Iran. The Associated Press described Nasrallah's request for financial assistance from his supporters as 'a rare move.' The U.S. has long stated that Hezbollah finances part of its operations through drug trafficking in Latin America. Since October, the U.S. Treasury has also placed Hezbollah on its list of 'international criminal organizations.' Hezbollah, founded in 1982 by the Revolutionary Guards, currently holds three ministers among 30 in the Lebanese government and has more than 70 seats in the 128-seat parliament, dominating the coalition it leads.