Israeli officials confirmed that human remains recovered during a covert mission deep into Syrian territory are those of an Israel Defense Forces soldier reported missing during a tank battle more than 40 years ago.
Sgt. 1st Class Yzvika Feldman was reported missing after he was killed in a battle between Syria and Israel during the 1982 Lebanon War that occurred near the village of Sultan Yacoub in the Bekaa Valley close to the borders with Syria.
The recovery mission was carried out by IDF soldiers and Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. On Sunday, officials in Jerusalem confirmed that his return to Israel was conducted through a “complex and covert operation enabled by precise intelligence and the application of operational capabilities.”
“This marked the completion of an extensive intelligence and operational effort that spanned over four decades,” IDF officials said in a statement. “This operation brings long-awaited closure.”
Sgt. Feldman was one of three IDF soldiers declared missing in action following the fierce tank battle with Syria. Sgt. 1st Class Zachariah Baumel’s body was recovered in 2019, while Sgt. 1st Class Yehuda Katz remains unaccounted for, IDF officials said.
Israel launched an invasion of Lebanon in June 1982 to end Palestinian attacks from Lebanon, destroy the Palestinian Liberation Organization and install a pro-Israel Maronite Christian government.
“The Israeli defense establishment will continue to operate tirelessly, day and night, with deep commitment to bring home all of our sons and daughters, whether living, fallen, missing, or abducted, back to Israel,” IDF officials said.
