Fact Check: Milei adds Hezbollah and Hamas to Argentina's terrorist organizations list.

Fact Check: Milei Adds Hezbollah and Hamas to Argentina's Terrorist Organizations List

What We Know

Recently, President Javier Milei's administration in Argentina officially designated Hamas as a terrorist organization and ordered a freeze on its financial assets. This decision was made in the context of a broader alignment with the United States and Israel, particularly following Hamas's violent actions against Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages (AP News). The announcement emphasized Milei's commitment to recognizing terrorist organizations, marking a notable shift from previous administrations that maintained a more balanced approach towards Israel and Palestine (Times of Israel).

While the designation of Hamas is confirmed, the claim regarding Hezbollah is less clear. Although Argentina has historically associated Hezbollah with terrorism, particularly in connection with past attacks on Jewish sites in Buenos Aires, there has been no formal announcement from Milei's government regarding Hezbollah's designation as a terrorist organization in conjunction with the Hamas designation (Country Reports on Terrorism 2023).

Analysis

The designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization is well-documented and aligns with similar actions taken by other countries, including the U.S. and EU (AP News). This move is largely viewed as symbolic, reflecting Milei's intent to strengthen ties with Western nations and support for Israel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions (Times of Israel).

Regarding Hezbollah, while there is historical precedent for its classification as a terrorist group in Argentina, the lack of a recent formal designation by Milei's government raises questions about the accuracy of the claim that both organizations were added to the terrorist list simultaneously. The Country Reports on Terrorism 2023 indicates that while Hezbollah has been linked to terrorist activities in the region, there is no current evidence that Argentina has officially designated it alongside Hamas (Country Reports on Terrorism 2023).

In evaluating the reliability of sources, the Associated Press and Times of Israel are reputable news outlets known for their journalistic standards, while the Country Reports on Terrorism is a government publication that provides comprehensive assessments of terrorism-related activities and policies.

Conclusion

The claim that "Milei adds Hezbollah and Hamas to Argentina's terrorist organizations list" is Partially True. While it is confirmed that Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization, there is no official record or announcement indicating that Hezbollah has received the same designation from Milei's administration at this time. Therefore, the assertion lacks complete accuracy regarding Hezbollah's status.

Fact Check: Milei adds Hezbollah and Hamas to Argentina's terrorist organizations list.