The trial has begun in Israel of a German man accused of plotting a suicide bombing on behalf of the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah.

The trial will take place behind closed doors.

The defendant, Stephan Smyrek, has pleaded not guilty.

He is a convert to Islam, and was arrested at Tel Aviv airport a year ago.

Israeli intelligence officials say that, when questioned, he admitted planning to take photographs of possible targets suitable for suicide bombings.

His defence lawyer says the confession was extracted under pressure.