Britain has expanded the scope of its asset-freezing measures against Lebanese Islamist movement Hezbollah to cover the entire organisation as well as its military wing. 

The finance ministry move follows Britain's decision last year to classify the whole group a terrorist organisation due to the UK's allegation it was destabilizing the Middle East. 

The heavily armed Shi'ite group, composed of political and military elements, was established in 1982 by Iran's Revolutionary Guards. It is one of the most powerful players in Lebanon and is part of an Iranian-led regional alliance which opposes the U.S., Israel and their Gulf Arab allies.   

Gilad Erdan, minister of public security and strategic affairs for Israel, said he welcomed the measure, adding that Europe was waking up to the threat from proxies of Iran.  

There was no immediate reaction from Hezbollah, which does not acknowledge separation of its various elements. Last year, it said Britain's decision to list it as a terrorist organisation showed London's "servile obedience" to Washington. 

Hezbollah had supported former-Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who resigned in October, after weeks of peaceful protest over corruption and inequality. His resignation didn't stop the protests and demonstrators continued to gather, often clashing with police and Hezbollah members. 

Lebanon remains in political turmoil: Prime Minister-designate Hassan Diab delayed a cabinet announcement on Friday.