Russia transfers remains of soldier missing in action in Lebanon

MOSCOW, April 4. /TASS/. Russia has transferred the remains of Israeli tank battalion soldier Zachary Baumel, who had been missing in action for 37 years after the Battle of Sultan Yacoub in Lebanon, over to Israel, the Russian Defense Ministry told reporters on Thursday.

"Today, in the Russian Defense Ministry the remains of the Israeli soldier were handed over to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with honors to be buried by his relatives in his homeland," the ministry said.

On June 11, 1982, an Israeli Defense Force (IDF) tank battalion was ambushed near the village of Sultan Yacoub (Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley) and lost up to 35 soldiers and officers. Zachary Baumel went missing in action during this battle. Israel had been trying to find his remains for 37 years. Russia assisted in the search operation.