Dozens killed in Lebanon as Israel searches for signs of navigator missing for 40 years

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By BASSEM MROUE
Updated 9:39 AM CST, March 7, 2026
Leer en español

BEIRUT (AP) — An Israeli special force that landed in eastern Lebanon overnight in search of information about a navigator who has been missing for nearly 40 years did not find his remains, the Israeli military said Saturday. The operation left dozens of people dead and dozens more wounded.

Israel has been trying for decades to find out what happened to Ron Arad since he went missing after parachuting from a fighter jet that crashed in Lebanon in 1986. Arad was involved in attacking suspected Palestinian militants. He was captured alive by local gunmen.

The Israeli military did not say where the force landed in Lebanon but the Lebanese army and state media said an Israeli commando force landed on the mountains along the border with Syria before heading to the eastern town of Nabi Chit, where they clashed with Hezbollah and local fighters. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 41 people were killed and 40 wounded overnight in Nabi Chit and areas nearby.

The Lebanese army said three soldiers were among those killed in the exchange of fire. It said four helicopters took part in the operation, two of which conducted the landing. It also reported that residents clashed with the Israeli force while Lebanese troops went on alert and fired light bombs.



Read more: https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-ron-arad-nabi-chit-9054b777cb2d853e9a58cd65a71adb12

[Tetrachloride]

1. So, 40 years of history is relevant.

Moreover, I didn't know the Israeli military had people to spare for this operation.

[riversedge]

5. Seems like an odd time for Israel to be digging up 40 year old graves in Lebanon. IMHO

[JBTaurus83]

2. Sounds like Bibi

Wants to draw the state of Lebanon into the war as well.

[EX500rider]

4. Israel was ignoring Lebanon till Hezbollah started firing missiles their way again for their Iranian masters

[C Moon]

3. Demented

[patphil]

6. The Israelis killed dozens of people while looking for the remains of a 40 year dead airman!

Dozens more wounded and several buildings destroyed in this morally depraved mission.

I don't see how anyone can support Israel any more.

[WA-03 Democrat]

7. Yes indeed

we have nothing else to do but look for a pilot lost in 1986.

Fuck this noise

[travelingthrulife]

8. Israel has lost its mind. They will pay for this for decades.