3 Hizbullah members indicted in Israel
For first time since end of war in Lebanon, Hizbullah fighters seized in Lebanon indicted in Israeli court. Among accused: Man who fired antitank missile during operation in which IDF soldiers were kidnapped. Three were trained in Iran
Simultaneously, the police also asked the court to keep the three in custody until all the legal proceedings are completed.
According to the indictments, the three are suspected of murder, attempted murder, membership in a terror organization and conspiring to commit a crime, and causing damage to the State's sovereignty.
According to the defense establishment, the three were involved in fighting IDF forces and underwent a long and through training in Iran, which they visited several times and took part in military exercises.
Hizbullah members at court (Photo: Hagai Aharon)
The three Hizbullah fighters who are on trial are among several hostages who were seized by IDF soldiers during the fighting in Lebanon. They were interrogated by investigators of the international investigations unit's department of security and economic crimes and investigators of the IDF's intelligence department.
The three men's involvement in the fighting itself was investigated during the interrogation. One of the suspects is Hussein Suleiman, a 22-year-old Shiite Muslim, an antitank fighter who took part in Hizbullah's operation in Zarit in which several soldiers were killed and IDF troops Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser were kidnapped, and which led to the beginning of the war in Lebanon.
Suleiman is also accused of being involved in Hizbullah's operation in the Rajar village post in November.
Ambushes against IDF vehicles, forces
According to the indictment filed against Suleiman, on the day of the kidnapping he was asked to set up an ambush for two IDF Hummer vehicles and fire at aid forces which were expected to arrive in the area. Eventually, however, he did not fire at IDF soldiers as they didn’t pass in the area under his command.
When the Israeli bombardment of the area began, Suleiman fled the place.
The second suspect indicted is 20-year-old Muhammad Srur, also a Shiite Muslim. Srur was actively involved in the fighting against the IDF along with Suleiman. The two were sent together to destroy armored IDF vehicles.
The third Hizbullah fighter indicted is Maher Qurani, a 30-year-old Shiite Muslim, who was part of Hizbullah's aerial defense forces. According to the defense establishment, Qurani also took part in ambushes against IDF tanks and infantry corps.
Another Hizbullah member seized by the IDF will not be indicted.
