Israeli Intelligence Agencies Recover Remains of Soldier Missing 44 Years After Lebanon War Battle

After 44 years, the remains of Staff Sergeant Yehuda Yekutiel Katz, the last missing soldier from the Battle of Sultan Yaakov during the 1982 Lebanon War, have been returned to Israel. This milestone followed an unprecedented intelligence operation involving the collaboration of Aman (Military Intelligence), Shin Bet, and Mossad. The breakthrough came from a decisive decision to locate the specific tank Katz was in during the battle, which opened a new investigative path. The process required meticulous verification of findings and re-examination of archival materials, demonstrating how old information combined with new leads can be crucial.

A significant turning point occurred in 2000 when the Chief of Staff established a dedicated team to investigate the fate of the missing soldiers, laying the groundwork for recent efforts. Lieutenant Colonel Y., who participated in the investigation for three years, described the emotional intensity and personal commitment involved, emphasizing the persistent doubt about Katz's survival despite the initial assumption he was deceased. The intelligence breakthrough led to a series of daring operations behind enemy lines over three years, overcoming numerous challenges to achieve the goal.

Out of respect for the family and to ensure absolute certainty, the full identification process was conducted exclusively in Israel. The Battle of Sultan Yaakov on June 11, 1982, was one of the fiercest in the Lebanon War, resulting in 20 Israeli soldiers killed, dozens wounded, and six declared missing. Over the years, the remains of two other missing soldiers from the battle were also recovered and returned to Israel in separate operations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the long-standing covert efforts he authorized to locate the missing soldiers and expressed solidarity with Katz's family. He acknowledged the late parents' relentless efforts to find their son and conveyed condolences while welcoming Katz home. Katz's funeral is scheduled for the upcoming Friday, departing from Karem Binyamina Yeshiva to the military section of Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem.