Trial of Suspected Hezbollah Operative Begins in Germany

Wed Nov 19 2025 00:09:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Lebanese man faces trial in Germany for allegedly playing a key role in Hezbollah's drone program, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

In Celle, Germany, a 35-year-old Lebanese man, referred to as Fadel Z, has begun his trial for alleged membership in Hezbollah, specifically for procuring components vital for the group's drone operations. Prosecutors claim he played a significant role in assembling a substantial arsenal of drones utilized against Israel. His arrest follows a series of heightened tensions in the region, reflecting the ongoing conflict associated with Hezbollah's activities in the wake of Hamas's attacks on Israel.

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 organisation 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 programme.

The German Federal Prosecutor's Office said Fadel Z joined Hezbollah more than 10 years ago, first working in public relations.

In a statement, prosecutors said Fadel Z became a foreign operator for the group's drone programme in 2022, initially operating from Barcelona, Spain. In the summer of 2023, he started working from Germany.

According to the statement by prosecutors, Hezbollah has been running an extensive drone programme for some time. Following Hamas's 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel, prosecutors said Hezbollah had systematically fired rockets and explosive-laden drones at both military and civilian targets in Israel. By June 2024, it had built up an arsenal of over 10,000 drones.

To procure such drones, prosecutors allege that the organisation employs foreign operatives who covertly purchase components in Europe and export them to Lebanon.

Fadel Z is accused of purchasing materials and products for drone construction worth around €1.4m (£1.2m), until he was arrested in July 2024. The products came from companies in Europe, China and the US, including more than 2,000 motors and over 600 propellers.

He reportedly used front companies registered in his own name or that of his contacts to place orders, with suppliers also paid via these companies. He also arranged for the goods to be transported to Lebanon, either by container ship from ports in Hamburg or Spain or by air freight.

Two of the engines purchased by Fadel Z were allegedly used in explosive drones fired at Israel, including one that targeted a retirement home near Tel Aviv on Yom Kippur, though no injuries were reported.

The prosecutor's office has categorized his actions as aiding and abetting attempted murder. The trial at the regional court in Celle is slated to continue until August next year.

This case comes amidst a backdrop of escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli positions in October 2023, aligned with Palestinian actions in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, including thousands killed in Lebanon and several Israeli deaths.