Arabic version: غارات جوية إسرائيلية تقتل العشرات في عملية شرق لبنان

Israeli airstrikes in eastern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of dozens following a failed mission to recover the remains of a missing IDF pilot. The operation, which took place in the village of Nabi Chit, began when Israeli commandos attempted to dig up a grave believed to contain the remains of Ron Arad, an Israeli pilot missing since 1986. The mission escalated into a gunfight with Hezbollah and local residents, prompting Israeli jets to launch a series of airstrikes.

According to The Guardian, the Israeli military’s incursion began late Friday night when two helicopters landed near the Syrian-Lebanese border. The Lebanese army reported that the ensuing conflict resulted in the deaths of three Lebanese soldiers and 41 residents of the Bekaa valley, while no Israeli casualties were reported.

The Israeli military responded with at least 40 airstrikes on the town of Nabi Chit, which lasted until 3 a.m. Videos from the scene captured intense gunfire and calls for assistance from local residents. Significant damage occurred in the area, with several buildings destroyed and a main road rendered impassable due to the airstrikes.

Ron Arad was captured in 1986 after his aircraft was downed during a mission over Lebanon. Despite ongoing efforts by the Israeli government to locate his remains, including operations based on new intelligence, no proof of life has been provided since the late 1980s. The situation has raised concerns among families of missing soldiers, with Arad’s widow expressing her desire for the safety of Israeli soldiers over the recovery of remains.

The Israeli government has emphasized its commitment to finding Arad, with officials stating that the search for his remains is a longstanding obligation. The recent incident underscores the complex and volatile nature of Israeli-Lebanese relations, particularly involving Hezbollah, a group that remains a significant player in the region.