Hezbollah does not deserve name of Allah: Turkish Deputy PM

ISTANBUL

Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç has said Hezbollah does not deserve to use “Allah” in its name, while commenting on the militant group’s support for the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria.

The Hezbollah chief, Hassan Nasrallah, said on Saturday that it was “in its own interest” to defend the al-Assad regime.

Speaking at a press conference this evening, Arınç also claimed that Hezbollah had a role in the recent Banias massacre.

Arınç’s remarks came one day after remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ, who suggested that the Hezbollah should change its name to “Hezb-evil,” as it has “declared jihad against innocent women, children, and old people.”

“Hezbollah needs to change its name to ‘Hezb-evil.’ They call themselves Hezbollah, but they declare jihad [Islamic war] against innocent women, children, and old people ... Isn’t it nonsense?” Bozdağ said, during a speech at the 6th International Risale-i Nur and Islamic Unity Symposium in Ankara.

In Arabic, “Hezbollah” means “Party of God.”

Meanwhile, Arınç also said the date of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s possible visit to Gaza was still not clear, but it might take place in June if Erdoğan’s schedule allows.

"At first, it was thought [to be held] in May, but there was no possibility in the hectic May schedule," Arınç said. "Now, we are looking at June if it is possible. It is unclear yet, and it was not a part of the meeting agenda."