A Lebanese man has gone on trial in Celle, northern Germany, accused of being a member of Hezbollah - a Shia Muslim group whose military wing is proscribed as a terrorist organization by the EU.
The 35-year-old man, named only as Fadel Z, in line with German privacy laws, is charged with having played a key role in procuring products for Hezbollah's drone program.
The German Federal Prosecutor's Office stated that Fadel Z joined Hezbollah more than 10 years ago, initially working in public relations.
According to the prosecution, he became a 'foreign operator' for the group's drone program in 2022, initially from Barcelona before relocating to Germany in summer 2023.
Prosecutors detailed that Hezbollah has been running 'an extensive drone program for some time.' Following Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah allegedly began a series of attacks against both military and civilian targets in Israel.
Fadel Z is accused of purchasing materials and products for drone construction worth around €1.4 million, including over 2,000 motors and 600 propellers. He reportedly used front companies to place orders and arranged transportation of the goods to Lebanon by container ship and air freight.
Among these purchases, two engines were used in explosive drones that targeted Israel, one of which struck a retirement home in Herzliya on October 11, 2024. Although there were no reported injuries, the prosecutor's office considers this an act of attempted murder.
The trial at the regional court in Celle is expected to last until August next year, amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly due to the conflicts involving Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanese authorities report that Israel's attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacements, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.
