Was the Hezbollah agent kidnapped by Israel a double agent?

Some items found in Mr. Ahmaz’s room included SIM cards from different countries, multiple passports and an old-fashioned Nokia phone, which could indicate he worked as a spy, Mr. Solomen said.

Mr. Ahmaz could have worked as a senior employee at a Hezbollah unit that specialized in transporting weapons and electronics used in the fight against Israel, he suggested.

“But because of his position he could have been recruited as a double agent for Israel and the rescue effort was intended to get him to safety outside Lebanon,” Mr Solomon added.

Ahmaz’s family telecommunications company, Stars Group Holding, based in Beirut, was sanctioned by the US in 2014.

The US Treasury Department accused the sector of ‘illegal activities’ by transporting communications equipment to Hezbollah factories in Lebanon, through countries like China and the UAE.

“Ahmaz may have recruited the family for this type of operation,” Mr Solomon added.

An Israeli security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, echoed Mr. Solomon’s belief that the items found in Mr. Ahmaz’s room were as interesting as the kidnapping itself.