The Shabak (GSS) Security Service announced today that it recently arrested an Arab resident of Hizma (northern tip of Jerusalem) who was recruited by the Lebanese-based Hizbullah terrorist organization to perpetrate attacks in Israel. Suleiman Ahmed Suleiman Rizek, born in 1965 and father of 13 children, was recruited by Hizbullah in February while he was on the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Rizek told investigators that the Hizbullah assigned him the task of gathering intelligence information on Jewish towns in his area, investigating weapons acquisitions, and developing contacts with Arab citizens of Israel to aid in future missions.
Rizek further told investigators that Hizbullah wished to recruit one of his sons, as well as other people he knew, for terrorist activities. In his contacts with the Hizbullah, Rizek expressed his readiness to undergo military training in Lebanon. He received money from Hizbullah in order to finance his activities but was arrested by the Shabak before accomplishing any of his assignments.
The Israeli Defense establishment sees this incident as part of Hizbullah\'s unending efforts to build a terrorist infrastructure in Israel. An Israel Government Press Office statements says, \"Hizbullah did not hesitate to cynically exploit the Haj pilgrimage in order to recruit the father of 13 children regardless of the expected consequences for his family.
Rizek further told investigators that Hizbullah wished to recruit one of his sons, as well as other people he knew, for terrorist activities. In his contacts with the Hizbullah, Rizek expressed his readiness to undergo military training in Lebanon. He received money from Hizbullah in order to finance his activities but was arrested by the Shabak before accomplishing any of his assignments.
The Israeli Defense establishment sees this incident as part of Hizbullah\'s unending efforts to build a terrorist infrastructure in Israel. An Israel Government Press Office statements says, \"Hizbullah did not hesitate to cynically exploit the Haj pilgrimage in order to recruit the father of 13 children regardless of the expected consequences for his family.