Middle East Tensions: Israel has appealed to India to declare Hamas as a terrorist organization. Israel says that relations between Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba are increasing rapidly, which are a security threat to both India and Israel.
Israel-Hamas Ban: Amidst the tension in the Middle East, Israel has appealed to India to declare Hamas as a terrorist organization. Israeli officials say Hamas’s growing ties with Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Iran-backed networks pose a serious security threat to both India and Israel. A senior Israeli Foreign Ministry official told the media, ‘We request India to take concrete steps to declare organizations like Hamas as terrorists. Just like Israel had declared Lashkar-e-Taiba earlier, we need similar cooperation from India.”
The growing relationship between Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba is dangerous
Israeli officials claim that India is aware of the growing connections of Iran-backed groups and global terror networks. He says that banning Hamas will have a positive impact on anti-terrorism policies in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Maldives and Nepal. “This is not just about freezing assets or imposing sanctions on terrorists,” said Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, the IDF’s international spokesman. This gives the message that no active member of Hamas can set foot on Indian soil.’ Israel says that deep operational coordination is being seen between Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba and Iran is carrying out covert attacks using the international crime network.
Israel’s appeal to India
Israel has appealed to India to reconsider the financial assistance given to UNRWA (United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees). India had contributed $5 million to UNRWA in 2024-25. Israel alleges that Hamas has influence in this agency. However, India’s long term policy has been to maintain balance in West Asia.
Iran did not change even after the war – Israel
Israeli officials say that despite the war in June and the US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, Iran did not change its regional strategy. ‘We thought Iran’s policy would change after the war, but they are doubling down on proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.’ The officer said. He also described American pressure as inadequate. He believes that mere sanctions and organizational announcements are not enough, there is a need to strictly implement them.
Sudan is becoming Iran’s new strategic center – Israel
Israel’s biggest concern is Iran’s growing influence in Africa, especially in the Horn of Africa. Sudan is being considered as a possible ‘Axis of Resistance’ center for Iran. According to Israeli officials, Iran is already supplying drones, weapons and intelligence to the Sudanese armed forces. Sudan’s strategic location along the Red Sea makes it an important base for Iran.