Israel foils Hezbollah kidnap plots abroad

JERUSALEM - Israeli security forces have foiled at least five attempts by the Lebanese Hezbollah militia to abduct Israeli businessmen in Africa, Asia, and South America, Israeli newspapers reported on Tuesday.

Each time, Hezbollah -- which fought a bloody war against Israel in the summer of 2006 -- tried to use "sleeper cells" embedded in far-flung Shiite Muslim communities, the mass-selling Yediot Aharonot reported.

Yediot and other newspapers cited unnamed Israeli security officials and said further details about the plots remain under official censorship.

Israel has been on high alert since senior Hezbollah commander Imad Mughnieh was assassinated in a car bombing in Damascus in February in an attack welcomed by the Jewish state but for which it denied any responsibility.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah blamed Israel for the attack and has repeatedly vowed to avenge the killing.

Last month, Israel issued a warning to its citizens living and travelling abroad to take extra precautions against possible Hezbollah attacks or abductions.

Israel's counter-terror bureau issued the warning at a peak travelling season for Israelis, calling on tourists and businessmen to take special precaution in hotels, restaurants and recreational spots.

Israelis were also urged to turn down "unexpected and alluring proposals in both business and recreation" and to alter routines and habits.

In July 2006 Hezbollah seized two Israeli soldiers in a deadly cross-border raid, sparking a 34-day war in which over 1,200 Lebanese, mostly civilians, and over 160 Israelis, mostly soldiers, were killed.

The bodies of the two abducted soldiers were returned to Israel as part of a prisoner swap in July.