A 35-year-old Lebanese man, identified as Fadel Z in accordance with German privacy laws, has commenced trial in Celle, northern Germany. He is charged with being a member of Hezbollah and playing a key role in procuring materials for the group's drone program. Hezbollah's military wing is designated as a terrorist organization by the European Union.
Alleged Involvement with Hezbollah
According to statements from the German Federal Prosecutor's Office, Fadel Z allegedly joined Hezbollah more than a decade ago, initially working in public relations. Prosecutors claim he became a "foreign operator" for Hezbollah's drone program in 2022, initially operating from Barcelona, Spain. He is then alleged to have relocated his procurement operations to Germany in the summer of 2023.
Drone Procurement Activities
Fadel Z is accused of purchasing products and materials intended for drone construction, valued at approximately €1.4 million (£1.2 million), until his arrest in July 2024. These items were reportedly sourced from companies in Europe, China, and the United States. Alleged purchases included:
- Over 2,000 petrol and electric motors.
- More than 600 propellers.
Prosecutors contend that Fadel Z frequently utilized front companies, registered either in his name or those of his contacts, to place orders and process payments to suppliers. He is also accused of arranging the transport of these goods to Lebanon, Hezbollah's operational base, via container ships from ports in Hamburg or Spain, or through air freight services.
Specific Incident and Charges
The prosecution asserts that two of the engines allegedly purchased by Fadel Z were subsequently used in explosive drones launched by Hezbollah against Israel. One such drone reportedly struck a retirement home in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, on October 11, 2024, coinciding with the Jewish Holy Day of Yom Kippur. Although the explosive device detonated within the building, no injuries were reported among the approximately 200 residents. The Federal Prosecutor's Office considers Fadel Z's alleged actions related to this incident to constitute aiding and abetting attempted murder.
Hezbollah's Drone Program and Regional Conflict Context
Prosecutors state that Hezbollah has maintained "an extensive drone program for some time" and employs foreign operatives to covertly acquire components in Europe for export to Lebanon. Following the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas, Hezbollah reportedly "systematically fired rockets and explosive-laden drones at both military and civilian targets in Israel." By June 2024, Hezbollah was believed to possess an arsenal exceeding 10,000 drone units.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli positions the day following the October 2023 Hamas attacks, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This led to an escalating conflict spanning 13 months, which culminated in an intense Israeli bombing campaign and a ground incursion into southern Lebanon in October. Lebanese authorities reported approximately 4,000 fatalities, including civilians, and the displacement of over 1.2 million residents in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks. Israeli authorities reported more than 80 of its soldiers and 47 of its civilians were killed in the hostilities.
The trial at the regional court in Celle is projected to conclude by August of next year.