Lebanon Report Says Israel Talks May Include Ron Arad Remains Exchange

A Lebanese report says the negotiations between Israel and Lebanon will also address the possible return of the remains of Israeli navigator Ron Arad in exchange for Lebanese prisoners. The claim was published Tuesday by an Al Jadeed correspondent in Washington, according to N12.

Arad was captured by the Amal organization in Lebanon on October 16, 1986, and has been officially considered missing since 1988. The report says the issue could come up as part of the broader diplomatic talks between the two countries.

The article also recalled an Arab media report from March that said the IDF carried out a special operation deep inside Lebanon, in the village of Nabi Sheet, in an attempt to bring Arad's bones back to Israel. According to that report, a special force tried to retrieve his remains.

Hezbollah later claimed that four Israeli helicopters entered Lebanese airspace and landed infantry near the triangle of the towns of Yahfoufa, al-Kharbiyah and Mwaran. The latest report does not say whether any agreement has been reached, only that the matter is reportedly part of the discussions.