Israel has banned the UN-proscribed terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is based in Pakistan and responsible for the Mumbai attacks, ahead of the 15th anniversary of the tragic event.

The Israeli embassy, without a request from the Indian government, announced in a statement that Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures. The statement affirmed that Israel has "satisfied all required checks and regulations," leading to the inclusion of Lashkar-e-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organizations.

The statement added, "To symbolise the marking of the 15th year of commemoration of the Mumbai terror attacks, the state of Israel has listed Lashkar-e-Taiba as a terror organisation," it said in a statement.

Israel, in its efforts to address security concerns, has banned the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Mumbai attacks. Despite no request from the Indian government, Israel, in a statement, confirmed that it has completed all necessary procedures and checks to designate LeT as an illegal terrorist organization.

Israel has been urging India to impose a similar ban on Hamas, which was condemned by India as a terrorist organization following its assault on Israel on October 7. The 2008 Mumbai attacks, orchestrated by LeT terrorists, included the targeting of a Jewish centre, resulting in the loss of many lives.

The ban is seen as a step by Israel to address concerns in India regarding its focus on Iranian "terrorism" compared to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. While Israel views Iran as the primary source of global terrorism, India characterizes Pakistan in this manner.

Israel, in its efforts to address security concerns, has banned the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Mumbai attacks. Despite no request from the Indian government, Israel, in a statement, confirmed that it has completed all necessary procedures and checks to designate LeT as an illegal terrorist organization.

Israel has actively urged India to implement a similar ban on Hamas, following the condemnation by India of Hamas's assault on Israel on October 7, categorizing it as a terrorist attack.

In the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists targeted a Jewish centre, resulting in the loss of many lives. Israel's recent ban on LeT aims not only to address this specific threat but also to assuage concerns in India regarding a perceived focus on Iranian "terrorism" over cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. While Israel views Iran as a primary source of global terrorism, India reserves such characterization for Pakistan.

"While Israel only lists terror organizations who are actively operating against it from within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India - those globally recognized by UNSC or the US State Department, the Israeli ministries of Defense and Foreign affairs, have jointly worked in the last few months towards an expedited and extraordinary listing of the Lashkar-e-Taiba organization on this date, to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism," said Israel in its announcement of the ban.

"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," it added.

Extending condolences to all victims of terrorism and expressing sympathy to the survivors and bereaved families of the Mumbai attacks, including those in Israel. "We stand with you united in the hope for a better peaceful future," it said.

Image source: Times of India