IDF Returns Remains of Last Missing Soldier from 1982 Sultan Yaakov Battle to Israel

The Israel Defense Forces officially announced the return of the remains of Staff Sergeant Yehuda Yekutiel Katz, an armored corps soldier who fell during the Battle of Sultan Yaakov in June 1982, part of the First Lebanon War. Katz had been classified as missing for 44 years until his bones were brought back to Israel. Following their arrival, the remains underwent identification procedures at the Military Rabbinate's identification center.

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, "This is a meaningful moment for the IDF and the State of Israel. Decades have passed, but our duty to our fallen has not changed, we will not leave any of our people behind. Today, we close a circle of more than four decades." This return marks the closure of a long-standing chapter for the military and the family of the fallen soldier.