Fugitive Arab lawmaker suspected of espionage, treason

A fugitive Arab Israeli lawmaker is suspected of treason and espionage for aiding Hezbollah guerrillas during last summer's war in Lebanon, police said Wednesday, providing the first concrete details in the case after a lengthy gag order.

Former lawmaker Azmi Bishara, who recently left the country under mysterious circumstances, will be arrested immediately if he returns to Israel and could face the death penalty if convicted, police said.

Bishara, who resigned last month, has denied all the allegations and accused police of conducting a witch hunt. He has vowed to return to Israel, but not said when he would do so.