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Last update - 23:51 31/03/2008 IDF tracker charged with 'aiding Hezbollah in war against Israel' By Fadi Eyadat, Haaretz Correspondent Tags: Hezbollah, Lebanon, IDF An indictment was submitted to the Haifa military court on Monday against an Israel Defense Forces tracker who was accused of divulging military intelligence to Hezbollah in order to facilitate the smuggling of illicit drugs from Lebanon into Israel. The indictment included charges of treason, aiding an enemy during wartime, contact with a foreign agent, conspiracy to commit a crime and "assisting an enemy in a war against Israel." The indictment reveals that between December 2007 and February 2008 Louai Balut made contact on several occasions with a Lebanese citizen named Elias Hazbani, who is a member of the Lebanon-based guerilla group Hezbollah. Advertisement The indictment adds that the defendant used cellular phones to contact two other Lebanese citizens, Abu Hassan and Abu Ali, who also belong to the militant group. During that time, the indictment continues, the defendant gave Abu Hassan "secret code, a password, recognizable signals or numbers of IDF forces, IDF positions, locations of IDF equipment, military orders regarding operations and movements and other important details in reference to the military." Balut was also charged with conspiring to commit a crime by contacting Lebanese citizens and an Israeli citizen, Nazareth resident Abed al-Baset Zuabi, in order to commit crimes relating to import, export and drug trafficking from Lebanon into Israel. Israel fought a 34-day war with Hezbollah in 2006 and, though a UN peacekeeping force in south Lebanon has since been expanded, tensions remain high. Balut denied the charges against him. "I committed no treason. I am loyal to the state of Israel," he told Army Radio at Haifa Military Court. He hinted to reporters that several people had lured him into committing the crimes, but didn't say whether those people were Israeli or Lebanese. "I have never imagined I would find myself in a situation such as this. I didn't smuggle drugs, I didn't betray my country, I only killed terrorists. I am hurt and pained," he said. Balut's attorney, Tammy Ullman, said that in cases like these, the court usually opens the indictment with serious charges, and ultimately acquits "with a whimper" that doesn't even get a headline in the media. Ullman also said that the prosecution has refused grant her access to the evidence. Bookmark to del.icio.us   WHO knows? The WHO says Israel lets Gazans die in 'avoidable tragedies'. Friendly faces Google, Facebook and Yahoo heads will attend a J'lem technology summit.   1.   Lock Him UP 20:34  |  Dish It Out 31/03/08   2.   Bet if he was Jewish 20:50  |  Stephen of New York 31/03/08   3.   Haaretz `aids Hezbollah in war against Israel` 21:33  |  Joe 31/03/08   4.   S. from New York 22:27  |  Ra`a 31/03/08   5.   Joe 22:29  |  Ra`a 31/03/08   6.   IS HE, OR NOT, JEWISH? 23:05  |  JACKAL 31/03/08   7.   why does his faith matter? 23:49  |  thomas 31/03/08   8.   #6, Jack; Wait and see. If Hezbollah includes him on the list 00:00  |  Haham me Bat Yam 01/04/08   9.   HaAretz was silent about his religious affiliation 01:30  |  * BEN JABO 01/04/08   10.   #7 Thomas - It is being dealt with 01:32  |  * BEN JABO 01/04/08   11.   Elias, a member of Hezbollah ???? 04:48  |  Pete 01/04/08   12.   Drug smugler, not a terrorist 05:05  |  Slibovitz 01/04/08   13.   #12 Slibovitz - He wasn`t horrified, he was fully aware 01:07  |  * BEN JABO 02/04/08   14.   #6 Jerkyl - He`s Arab!!! 02:22  |  * BEN JABO 02/04/08

Today Online Hamas TV puppet 'kills' Bush as revenge for U.S., Israeli actions Responses: 309 Editorial: Israel's settlement policy is one of deception Responses: 150 WHO: Israel turning away sick Gazans, who die in 'avoidable tragedies' Responses: 124 Barak: Gaza crossings may open if rocket attacks, smuggling stop Responses: 91 'If rabbis won't marry interfaith couples, they should send them to someone who will' Responses: 29 Rosner's Domain Clinton and Obama voters support Israel in similar numbers Guest: Rabbis who don't officiate intermarriage should refer to rabbis who do Poll: What percentage of Jews will vote McCain? 38% for pressuring Palestinians, 25% for pressuring Israel (WTR) More Headlines 02:24 Meshal: Hamas backs state in '67 lines, right of return 02:37 Dutch Jews louder than Muslims in condemning 'Fitna' film 02:56 Intelligence officers: Hezbollah may strike Israel via 3rd party 03:31 Sensing affront, Arabs seek to close Security Council doors 03:38 Dream team: Which President-Prime Minister combo works best? 02:57 Hezbollah: Saudis siding with gov't in Lebanon power struggle 03:29 Seattle prosecutor: Much of Jewish center shooter's statement inadmissible 04:13 Congress recognizes Jewish refugees from Arab countries for 1st time 19:47 Falafel oil provides power for T.A. 'Earth Hour' concert 22:28 WHO: Israel turning away sick Gazans, who die in 'avoidable tragedies' 23:57 MKs okay law to protect the shores of Lake Kinneret 23:24 Israeli broadcaster and actress Shosh Atari dies aged 58 22:36 National Insurance Institute rejects plan to take over school fee payments Previous Editions Select Day 01 apr 31 mar 30 mar 28 mar 27 mar 26 mar 25 mar 24 mar 23 mar 21 mar 20 mar 19 mar

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