Israel and Lebanon to Discuss Return of Ron Arad’s Remains in Washington Talks

Israel and Lebanon are expected to discuss bringing back the remains of missing navigator Ron Arad during the current round of talks in Washington, Lebanese outlet Al-Jadeed reported Tuesday. The report comes after a covert Israeli operation in March that involved Shaldag fighters landing in the village of Nabi Sheet in eastern Lebanon, following intelligence about Arad’s possible location.

The forces did not return with new findings, but the operation reportedly allowed Israel to rule out one possibility that had been under consideration by the security establishment regarding Arad. After the secret mission, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying the operation “did not bring the findings we were looking for.”

Netanyahu added that “the commitment of the State of Israel and mine to complete all hostage and missing persons missions is absolute and permanent. It was so and it will be so.” Days after the operation, Kan News reported that Israeli officials believed pressure on Lebanon at this time could advance the effort to bring back Ron Arad.