Israel has decided to ban the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror organisation, who was responsible for the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The Israel Embassy in an official statement said, “despite not being requested by the Government of India to do so, the state of Israel has formally completed all necessary procedures and has satisfied all required checks and regulations to the result of introducing Lashkar-e-Taiba into the Israeli list of illegal terror organisations.”

The statement said, “Israel only lists terror organisations who are actively operating against it from within or around its borders, or in a similar manner to India or those that are globally recognized by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) or the US state department.”

It added that the Israeli Ministry’s of Defence and Foreign Affairs, have jointly worked in the last few months towards an expediated and extraordinary listing of the LeT organisation on this date, to highlight the importance of a Unified Global Front in combating terrorism.

Describing LeT as a ‘deadly and reprehensible’ terror organisation responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Indian civilians and others, the statement emphasised the enduring impact of its heinous actions on 26 November 2008, resonating across peace-seeking nations and societies.

Offering sincere condolences to all terrorism victims, including survivors and bereaved families of the Mumbai attacks, the statement expressed solidarity, stating, “the state of Israel offers its sincere condolences to all victims of terrorism and 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.”

In 2008, a series of terrorist attacks occurred in Mumbai, orchestrated by 10 gunmen affiliated with LeT, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.

Armed with automatic weapons and hand grenades, the terrorists targeted civilians at various locations in southern Mumbai, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji railway station, the Leopold Cafe, two hospitals, and a theatre.

Although most of the attacks concluded within hours, some other terror attacks persisted at three locations where hostages were taken — the Nariman House, and the luxury hotels Oberoi Trident and Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.