JERUSALEM, Israel -- Egyptian border guards arrested an Israeli Arab attempting to smuggle weapons into Egypt on Thursday.

Guards became suspicious of a wooden box carried by an elderly Arab. Upon searching it, they found an automatic rifle, two pistol grips, and ammunition plastered into the box, Egypt News reported.

According to the report, the suspect, Moaz Zoheir, told investigators he works for a tour company in Eilat and was on his way to meet a friend named Hatem Abdel Hamid, who also works in the tourism industry.

In a separate incident, an attorney known for defending Islamists said Egypt has detained about 50 Palestinian Arabs, Lebanese, and Egyptians suspected of aiding Hezbollah and Hamas, al Jazeera reported.

Seven of the suspects are Israeli Arabs.

Attorney Montasser el-Zayat said Egyptian authorities believe the detainees have been funneling money to Hamas.

Authorities believe one of the Lebanese nationals has been serving as a liaison between Hezbollah and Hamas.