A Lebanese man arrested by Cypriot police on Wednesday was planning an attack on Israeli interests on the Mediterranean island after they found almost two tonnes of ammonium nitrate in his basement, Cypriot newspapers reported.
The ammonium nitrate is a fertilizer that can create a powerful explosive if large quantities are mixed with other substances.
The 26-year-old man is Lebanese-born and has also a Canadian passport. He was detained by police after authorities discovered the stockpile.
Authorities are investigating possible links to Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group, the media said.
The unnamed individual may have a close link with Hezbollah’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nazrallah, two newspapers said.
Cyprus is a popular holiday destination for Israelis.
The suspect arrived in earlier this month and stayed in the coastal town of Larnaca. The ammonium nitrate -- a fertilizer that can create a powerful explosive if large quantities are mixed with other substances -- was found in its basement.
In 2013 a Swedish citizen of Lebanese descent was jailed in Cyprus on charges of plotting to attack Israeli tourists.
Cyprus is one of the 28 EU member states.