Written question asked by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass (Independent Ulster Unionist) on Tuesday, 23 July 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 August 2019. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 August 2019 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Hezbollah

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that Hezbollah forces are being deployed along Lebanon's and Syria's borders with Israel; and what plans they have in place to protect the UK's interests in that region.

Answer: The British Government has serious concerns about the actions and behaviours of Hezbollah in the Middle East. Its continued role in Syria, amassing of weapons outside of state control and, therefore, the lack of distinction between its political and military wings is what led the former Home Secretary to extend proscription of Hezbollah to the entirety of the organisation. The former Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa raised this during his visit to Lebanon in March this year, when he expressed his concerns over Hezbollah's regional role; the former Foreign Secretary also raised concerns over Hezbollah’s destabilising activities and behaviours when he met the Lebanese Foreign Minister on 12 June. The British Government routinely discusses concerns about the actions of Hezbollah with the Israeli authorities.

Secondary information