Remains of IDF Sgt. Yehuda Katz, the last missing soldier from the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub, has been located
The IDF has successfully located and identified the remains of Yehuda Katz, the last missing person from the battle, which is considered one of the IDF's greatest failures in the Lebanon War
After 44 years, the IDF has successfully located and identified the remains of Sergeant Major Yehuda Katz, the last missing person from the Battle of Sultan Yacoub, as was learned this morning (Tuesday) by i24NEWS. According to a source familiar with the details, an official military delegation is informing his family of the new findings.
Katz was the last missing soldier from the Battle of Sultan Yacoub, which is considered one of the greatest failures of the IDF in the Lebanon War.
The fierce battle took place on June 11, 1982, the sixth day of the First Lebanon War, just hours before a ceasefire was declared. It is remembered mainly for the large number of Israeli casualties, wounded, and prisoners, as well as the three reservist soldiers who were missing in action, and whose remains were returned to Israel for burial after several decades.
As recalled, the body of the armored corps fighter, Staff Sergeant Zvi Feldman, was returned to Israel on May 11, 2025, during a complex operation managed by the Mossad and carried out in several stages deep within Syrian territory. The operation, which was conducted by "Mossad assets," was managed under high risk to life, to the extent that senior defense officials considered canceling it due to the high level of danger.
The body of Sergeant First Class Zachary Baumel was located, brought to Israel, and identified on April 3, 2019, following an operation called "Operation Song of Sorrow."