Gary Fitleberg, November 20, 2003

Islamic militant group Hezbollah has had its television service taken off the air in Australia, according to the Australian Broadcasting Authority.

Lebanese station Al Manar, a subscription service, was voluntarily withdrawn by satellite television provider Television and Radio Broadcasting Services World TV, an ABA spokesman said on usual condition of anonymity. TARBS World TV did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

The decision comes after the ABA launched an investigation following recent reports that Al Manar was sponsored by Hezbollah, a fact not widely known in Australia until raised by the local media.

Al Manar serves as a mouthpiece for Hezbollah, which frequently calls for the destruction of Israel. It often airs provocative statements and videos from Hezbollah, as well as claims of responsibility by Hamas and Islamic Jihad for homicide bombings in Israel

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2003 Gary Fitleberg