An Israeli operation in Lebanon carried out by a naval commando unit failed and 11 soldiers lost their lives. The following statement elaborated on the details of the operation and measures taken by the IDF to examine all aspects of the operation. Text:
Early this morning, 5.9.97, 11 soldiers of the Naval Commando Unit, headed by a naval unit commander, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, were killed in a clash with terrorists during an initiated action north of Tyre, in southwest Lebanon. One IDF soldier is missing in action. The families of the fallen and missing soldiers have been notified. Four soldiers were wounded: One seriously; three moderately.
At approximately 00:40 hours, while the force was on the way to its mission, a powerful explosive device was detonated against it, followed by additional devices. The force was also fired upon. The force suffered many casualties in the initial burst of fire. The force returned fire. At the same time, IDF evacuation forces were activated a combined operation of air force helicopters and navy ships in an attempt to evacuate the force and its casualties, and to locate the missing soldier.
After a lengthy search of the battle area which did not yield results, it was assumed close to dawn that the missing soldier had, in all probability, been close to the center of the explosion, and had been killed.
The security establishment has contacted the International Red Cross, and has stated that the responsibility for returning the missing soldier to Israel lies with the Lebanese Government and Army. Minister of Defense Yitzhak Mordechai, Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Amnon Lipkin-Shahak and OC Navy Adm. Alex Tal followed the operation throughout the night from the naval command post. This morning, Minister of Defense Mordechai and Chief-of-Staff Lipkin-Shahak visited the naval commando base and Rambam Hospital in Haifa, in order to hold an initial debriefing of the soldiers who participated in the operation.
On behalf of the Israeli government, the IDF and the people of Israel, Minister of Defense Mordechai and Chief-of-Staff Lipkin-Shahak convey their condolences to the bereaved families and wish a quick recovery to the wounded.
Chief-of-Staff Lipkin-Shahak has appointed Maj.-Gen. Gabi Ophir to head an investigation committee to examine all aspects of the operation. The committee includes representatives of the navy and air force. Minister of Defense Mordechai, Chief-of-Staff Lipkin-Shahak and OC Navy Tal briefed the cabinet on the details of the operation.