IDF recovers findings related to soldier missing since 1982 battle

The Israel Defense Forces conducted a special operation overnight Monday to recover findings related to Sgt. First Class Yehuda Katz, who went missing during the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in June 1982. The battle, which took place in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley during the First Lebanon War, resulted in 21 Israeli deaths and over 30 injuries. Katz was one of three soldiers declared missing following the engagement. The remains of Zachary Baumel were recovered in 2019 with Russian assistance, and Zvi Feldman's remains were recovered in May 2025 via a Mossad operation.

Reports differ on the nature of the recovery. A center lean source states that the findings were not remains but personal belongings being inspected by the family and the IDF. A left lean source reports that the IDF is investigating whether remains found in Syria belong to Katz. A second center lean source reports that the military confirmed the recovery of Katz's remains. The military has not provided specific details regarding the location of the operation.

For decades, Katz's family campaigned against the military's assessment that he was killed in battle, suggesting he might have been held captive in Lebanon or Syria. Military intelligence previously estimated that Palestinian elements in Syria affiliated with the PLO may have had information regarding his whereabouts.