The Dominican Republic has designated Hezbollah and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as terrorist organizations, its Foreign Affairs Ministry announced in a Tuesday statement.
The designation was made in the framework of the Dominican Republic’s commitment to fighting global terrorism, the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism, and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“The Government of the Dominican Republic reiterates its willingness to continue strengthening its cooperative relations with the United States of America and with the other states of the hemisphere, in favor of regional security, stability, and prosperity,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement that also detailed measures against drug trafficking and law enforcement cooperation with the US.
Israeli officials welcome the move
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said on X/Twitter on Tuesday that the designation was part of an international front against terrorism.
“This important decision sends a clear message against the terrorist policies of Iran and its proxies and demonstrates a commitment to regional and global security,” said Sa’ar.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon also echoed the sentiment on social media on Wednesday.
“This is an important decision that aligns with dozens of countries that have already done the right thing,” Danon said. “The world increasingly understands that the terror led by Iran is not only a threat to Israel - it is a global threat.”
Leaders discuss regional cooperation
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader had met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog this week, according to the Caribbean nation’s foreign ministry. They reportedly discussed Israeli cooperation with agriculture, irrigation, and business development, and an upcoming Latin American Forum Against Antisemitism.