Israel has prevented the kidnapping of 5-7 Israeli businessmen and foreign emissaries abroad. According to the report appearing in the daily Yediot Achronot, Hizbullah is working tenaciously to abduct Israelis abroad, and is searching for potential targets in a number of countries. The attempts took place on at least three different continents; West Africa, North and South America and Asia. Foreign intelligence agencies assisted in preventing the kidnappings.

Intelligence officials in Israel this week stepped-up its travel advisory ahead of the Yomim Tovim, and a number of prominent businessmen who frequently travel abroad were warned of the current threats facing Israelis around the world. The warning was especially harsh regarding travel to Sinai for Rosh Hashanah.

The American media has also reported Hizbullah sleeper-cells that have attempted to strike out against Israeli and Jewish targets in Canada, including a report involving Israeli diplomats in Ottawa. The ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) in recent months has instructed a number of emissaries and their families to leave undisclosed location due to security realities.

Back in Israel, the GSS is no less concerned with ongoing Hamas efforts to kidnap soldiers to assist in their negotiations towards obtaining the release of terrorists imprisoned in Israel.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)