A covert Israeli military mission in eastern Lebanon turned deadly after heavy fighting broke out during an operation to recover the remains of a long-missing Israeli airman.
According to Lebanese officials, at least 41 people were killed and dozens injured after Israeli forces carried out airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley region. The violence followed a raid by Israeli commandos who had entered the area late at night as part of a secret operation.
The mission was reportedly aimed at finding the remains of Ron Arad, an Israeli navigator who went missing nearly 40 years ago. Arad disappeared in 1986 after his aircraft went down during a military operation over Lebanon. He was captured by militants at the time, and although Israel believes he later died in captivity, the country has continued searching for his remains.
Reports say Israeli special forces landed near the town of Nabi Chit, an area believed to hold information related to Arad’s burial. Soldiers reportedly began searching a cemetery where intelligence suggested his remains might be located.
However, the operation was soon discovered, leading to a gunfight between Israeli forces and fighters from Hezbollah, along with armed local residents. As the confrontation intensified, Israeli warplanes launched several airstrikes in the area to support the troops and help them withdraw safely.
The strikes caused significant destruction in the town and nearby areas. Among those killed were civilians and members of the Lebanese security forces. Residents described a night filled with explosions, panic and chaos as people rushed to find safety.
Despite the large-scale operation, Israeli forces reportedly failed to locate any evidence of Ron Arad’s remains, making the mission unsuccessful.
The incident has added to tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, which have frequently clashed along the border in recent years. Lebanese officials strongly criticised the strikes, calling them a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
