October 31, 2002
ISA Arrests Senior Hizbullah Terrorist
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Adviser)

Following ramified and intensive intelligence operations by the ISA in cooperation with the Israel Police and the IDF, senior Hizbullah terrorist Ayub Fawzi was arrested in June 2002. As a result of accumulated intelligence information and investigations, a clear picture has emerged of the attempts by Hizbullah to carry out terror attacks inside the State of Israel.

Ayub, a Shi'ite Muslim from Lebanon, 38, and veteran Hizbullah terrorist, has taken part in various Hizbullah operations and activities, and is responsible for numerous civilian casualties. In this context, Ayub was responsible for operations headed by Amad Mu'ania, deputy to Hassan Nasrallah, who is on the list of 22 wanted terrorists published by the US following the September 11th attacks last year.

Ayub spent some years in Canada where he maintained contact with senior Hizbullah officials and carried out operations. Upon returning to Lebanon, Ayub was sent to Europe where he received a false passport for entry into Israel.

Ayub arrived in Israel in October 2000, a short time after the beginning of the current wave of Palestinian violence, on a forged US passport.

He spent time in Hebron and made contact with another terrorist who aided him in his missions, which included locating sites for concealing explosives.

Ayub's mission to Israel is a new stage in the efforts which Hizbullah has invested in perpetrating terror attacks inside Israel. Information received by Israel since Ayub's entry and in the course of the investigation enabled the ISA and the security establishment to uncover and thwart some of Hizbullah's terror activities inside Israel.

On October 21, 2002 IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon signed a warrant for Ayub's arrest under the relevant laws.