Israeli Arab is accused Hezbollah spy

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JERUSALEM, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- An Israeli Arab, allegedly recruited by Hezbollah to spy on Israel, was indicted in a Jerusalem court Sunday.

Charges against bus driver Azam Masharah, 37, a resident of Jabel Mukaber in southern Jerusalem, included supplying information to the enemy and traveling to an enemy country without a permit, Israel's Security Agency said.

Masharah was arrested by the Shin Bet and Israeli police on Oct. 24, the Israeli agency said. Not all details concerning his arrest were released for publication.

Masharah allegedly admitted to being recruited by Hezbollah and revealed certain information he passed on to the group about Israeli government buildings, such as the Knesset, and other public institutions, including the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Hadassah Hospital.

After meeting with Hezbollah operatives, he was advised to maintain contact with the group via the Internet, the Shin Bet said.

Masharah is not the first Israeli to be recruited by Hezbollah to spy on Israel, the Shin Bet said. Agency officials said the Shiite group invests

Israeli Arabs are holders of Israeli identity cards and face no restrictions in their movements, not only in Israel but also in Palestinian-controlled areas in the West Bank, the Shin Bet said.