Rescued Pilot Recounts Daring Extraction Amid Ongoing Search for Ron Arad

Nearly four decades after navigator Ron Arad was captured by the Amal organization in Lebanon, a special project by Kan News has brought together key figures involved in his fate and the rescue of his fellow pilot, Yishai Aviram. Avi Hachmon, a Cobra helicopter pilot who participated in Aviram's rescue, described the mission as unconventional, recalling the urgency of the scramble after their Phantom jet was downed. Flying with limited night vision capabilities, Hachmon's team received a call from Aviram, who calmly identified himself as the downed pilot. The rescue operation involved two Cobra attack helicopters and a Super Frelon rescue helicopter. Hachmon recounted the tense moments as Aviram counted down, and when the rescue helicopter struggled to reach him, Ofer Nir, Aviram's backseater, decided to attempt a solo extraction with Hachmon providing cover. Nir was hit during the extraction but managed to return to Israel, prompting Hachmon and his co-pilot to return for Aviram. Hachmon described seeing Aviram standing on a rock, about 10 meters away, and despite the plan to hover and have him board, Aviram leaped onto the skid, shouting "Go!" Hachmon considered Aviram's survival and return a "miracle," attributing it partly to luck and perhaps not overthinking the presence of a second crew member.

Former Mossad official Israel Perlov shared details about the prolonged search for Arad, revealing new intelligence suggesting Arad was moved to Tehran two years after his capture and underwent medical examinations. According to Perlov's sources, Arad was returned to Lebanon in 1993 and died in captivity. He also recounted an interaction with a high-ranking Iranian official who provided a document detailing an investigation into the escape of Iraqi pilots from a POW camp. This document mentioned an Israeli pilot who refused to board an armored personnel carrier, claiming illness, and was left behind. Perlov believes this aligns with the timing of Arad's return to Lebanon.

Retired Colonel Nissim Yogev, a close friend of Ron Arad, described the agonizing experience of informing Arad's wife, Tami, of his disappearance. Yogev emphasized that Arad's case is unique among Israeli loss stories because it remains unresolved, unlike cases with confirmed bodies or declared missing persons. He also reflected on the initial media blackout requested by authorities, which he now believes was a mistake that may have hindered efforts to secure Arad's release.