Israeli special forces launched a violent overnight operation in Nabi Sheet to find the remains of airman Ron Arad. However, the mission failed to uncover any trace of the navigator who has been missing since 1986.
The operation triggered intense fighting and air strikes that killed 41 people and wounded 40 others in eastern Lebanon. Residents described the scene as chaotic, with explosions sending vehicles onto the second floors of gutted buildings. “The sounds of the explosions were like something out of a movie,” resident Mohammed Mussa told reporters.
Hezbollah fighters engaged the commandos after observing four Israeli helicopters landing near a local cemetery. Consequently, the confrontation escalated into a heavy firefight involving intense shelling and air support. The Israeli military confirmed that “no findings related to him were located,” though they reported no injuries among their own troops.
Allegations of Deception
Lebanese military chief Rudolphe Haykal claimed that Israeli soldiers wore uniforms similar to the Lebanese army during the raid. Furthermore, he alleged that the commandos used vehicles disguised as local ambulances to move through the Bekaa region undetected. This deception has complicated the internal security situation, as Haykal noted that these attacks hinder plans to disarm local militias.
The target of the raid appeared to be a cemetery belonging to the Shukr family, as authorities previously linked this family to the 1986 capture of Arad. Despite the high-stakes intelligence, the mission left behind a trail of destruction including torn-off roofs and scattered munitions.
“It cost a great deal: infrastructure, destruction and the blood of our sons,” stated Mayor Hani Moussawi. While the Israeli military vowed to continue the search for their missing sons, Arad’s wife, Tami, expressed reservations, thanking the military but insisted that they should not put the lives of active soldiers at risk.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that the broader conflict has claimed nearly 300 lives since Monday. Meanwhile, Nabi Sheet remains in ruins as families bury the victims of this failed intelligence mission.
