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 had worked as a spy, according to Mr Solomen.

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

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

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

The US Treasury Department accused the business of “illicit activities” by transporting communications devices to Hezbollah factories in Lebanon through the countries. such as China and the United Arab Emirates.

“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 Ahmaz’s room were as interesting as the kidnapping itself.