Israel arrests Swedish citizen on suspicion of spying for Hezbollah

Israeli security forces have arrested a man with dual Swedish-Lebanese citizenship on suspicion of gathering intelligence on behalf of Hezbollah. In a statement released on Sunday, Israel’s Shin Bet security service said that Khalil Hizran, 55, was arrested last month at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

According to Shin Bet, the son of Palestinian refugee parents was recruited by the Lebanese militia in 2009 during a visit to Lebanon with his wife and children. He has been indicted for providing information to a terror group, having contact with a foreign agent and accepting funds from Hezbollah.

Hizran, it is alleged, was asked by Hezbollah to recruit Israelis to the movement, particularly those with ties to Jewish groups, military personnel and members of the government. The Israelis also claim that he was told to gather information about military bases and places where army personnel gather, as well as details of where weapons and tanks are stored.

“Hezbollah’s interest in the entry process and inspections at Ben Gurion Airport indicates its desire to identify the loopholes in the process,” said Shin Bet. “This will allow it to get its people into Israel undisturbed and without falling under suspicion.”