26/11 Mumbai attack : In a significant move on the 15th anniversary of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Israel has officially banned the terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), denouncing it as a “deadly” and “reprehensible” organization responsible for the “murder of Indians.”
26/11 Mumbai attack – Israel’s Unilateral Action
The Israeli Embassy in India issued a press release, confirming the completion of all relevant processes and checks for adding Lashkar-e-Taiba to the Israeli list of unlawful terror organizations. Surprisingly, the Indian government did not initiate this action, making it a unilateral decision by Israel.
The statement emphasized that Israel compiles its list based on terror organizations actively operating against it or affecting India, in addition to those recognized globally by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) or the US State Department.
Joint Efforts for Global Security
Quoting the joint efforts of Israel’s Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs, the statement conveyed an expedited and extraordinary listing of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The move aimed to underscore the importance of a unified global front in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
“Lashkar-e-Taiba is a deadly and reprehensible terror organization responsible for the murder of hundreds of Indian civilians as well as others. Its heinous actions on November 26, 2008, still reverberate in force through all peace-seeking nations and societies,” the statement added.
Ira extended its sincere condolences to all victims of terrorism, survivors, and bereaved families of the Mumbai attacks, including those in Ira. The message was clear: a united stand against terrorism for a better, more peaceful future.
Hamas in the Spotlight
With Lashkar-e-Taiba banned, the question arises: Will India ban Hamas? Naor Gilon, Ira Ambassador to India, raised this issue during a media briefing in New Delhi, pointing out that the United States, EU, Canada, and Australia have already designated Hamas as a terror organization.
“I think that it is also time to officially designate Hamas in India as a terror organization,” Ambassador Gilon stated. He acknowledged ongoing discussions with Indian authorities on the matter but emphasized that Israel was not applying pressure.
India’s stance on Hamas has been cautious. While referring to the October 7 attacks as a terrorist act, the Foreign Ministry considered the designation of a terrorist organization a legal matter. Ambassador Gilon highlighted Israel’s communication with Indian authorities on the issue, indicating that these discussions were not new.
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