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In Celle, northern Germany, the trial of a Lebanese man has commenced, with the defendant accused of membership in Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim organization whose military wing is designated a terrorist entity by the European Union.
The 35-year-old, identified as Fadel Z. in accordance with German privacy regulations, faces charges related to his alleged key role in procuring materials for Hezbollah’s drone program.
According to the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office, Fadel Z. joined Hezbollah over a decade ago, initially serving in a public relations capacity.
Prosecutors stated that Fadel Z. became a “foreign operator” for the group’s drone program in 2022, operating first from Barcelona, Spain, before relocating his activities to Germany in the summer of 2023.
The prosecution’s statement alleges that Hezbollah has been engaged in “an extensive drone program for some time.”
Following the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah reportedly “systematically fired rockets and explosive-laden drones at both military and civilian targets in Israel,” according to prosecutors.
“By June 2024, it had built up an arsenal of over 10,000 [drone] units.”
Prosecutors stated that to acquire these drones, “the organization employs foreign operatives who covertly purchase components in Europe and export them to Lebanon.”
Fadel Z. is accused of procuring materials and products for drone construction valued at approximately €1.4 million (£1.2 million) until his arrest in July 2024.
The products allegedly originated from companies in Europe, China, and the U.S.
Prosecutors claim that the procured items included over 2,000 petrol and electric motors, as well as more than 600 propellers.
It is alleged that Fadel Z. frequently used front companies registered under his name or the names of associates to place orders, and payments to suppliers were also made through these entities.
Prosecutors further allege that he arranged for the goods to be transported to Lebanon, where the group is based, via container ships from ports in Hamburg or Spain, and by air freight.
According to prosecutors, two of the engines purchased by Fadel Z. were used in explosive drones that Hezbollah launched at Israel.
One of these drones reportedly struck a retirement home in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, on the night of October 11, 2024, during Yom Kippur, a Jewish Holy Day.
Although the explosive device detonated inside the building, none of the approximately 200 residents were injured.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office considers this to be aiding and abetting attempted murder.
The trial at the regional court in Celle is anticipated to continue until August of the following year.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli positions the day following the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah engaged in an escalating conflict for 13 months, culminating in an intensive Israeli bombing campaign and ground incursion into southern Lebanon in October.
Lebanese authorities reported that Israel’s attacks resulted in approximately 4,000 casualties, including numerous civilians, and displaced over 1.2 million residents. Israeli authorities reported over 80 soldiers and 47 civilians killed in the hostilities.
A spokesperson says the country expects “everyone to stick to the agreements that have been made”.
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