JERUSALEM - Israeli officials say security services have foiled two attempts by the Lebanese Hezbollah to kidnap Israeli businessmen.

Details are sketchy, and Israel's military censor banned publication of some of them.The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because no statement has been made.

Channel 2 TV said Hezbollah has cells in West Africa and South America.

The officials said the kidnap plots were stopped at advanced stages. On Aug. 20 Israel put out an unusual travel advisory, warning that Hezbollah was planning to kidnap Israelis abroad.

Israel and Hezbollah fought a fierce but inconclusive monthlong war in 2006. In July, Israel freed Lebanese prisoners in exchange for bodies of two soldiers captured at the beginning of the conflict. -AP