Israel Reportedly Thwarted Five Hizbullah Kidnap Attempts
Israeli security services have reportedly thwarted at least five attempts by Hizbullah to kidnap Israeli businessmen in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Each time, Hizbullah tried to use "sleeper cells" embedded in far-flung Shiite communities, said the mass-selling Israeli Yediot Aharonot newspaper.
Yediot and other newspapers cited unnamed Israeli security officials and said further details about the plots remain under official censorship.
Israeli officials said the kidnap plots were stopped at advanced stages.
Israel has been on high alert since top Hizbullah commander Imad Mughniyeh was assassinated in a car bombing in Damascus in February in an attack welcomed by the Jewish state but for which it denied any responsibility.
Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah blamed Israel for the attack and has repeatedly vowed to avenge the killing.
Last month, Israel issued a warning to its citizens living and traveling abroad to take extra precautions against possible Hizbullah attacks or abductions.
Israel”s counter-terror bureau issued the warning at a peak traveling season for Israelis, calling on tourists and businessmen to take special precaution in hotels, restaurants and recreational spots.
Israelis were also urged to turn down "unexpected and alluring proposals in both business and recreation" and to alter routines and habits.
In July 2006 Hizbullah seized two Israeli soldiers in a deadly cross-border raid, sparking a 34-day war in which over 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and over 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers, were killed.
The bodies of the two abducted soldiers were returned to Israel as part of a prisoner swap in July.