The Brutal Battle of Sultan Yacoub: 43 Years Later, Israel Still Searches for One Soldier

It has been over 40 years since Sergeant Tzvi Feldman was killed in the infamous Battle of Sultan Yacoub during the First Lebanon War. Today, his body was finally returned to Israel in a highly secretive operation, bringing closure to a chapter of loss that has haunted the nation for decades.

The year was 1982. Israel had just launched Operation Peace for Galilee, aiming to push back Syrian forces from southern Lebanon.

On June 11, just hours before the ceasefire was declared, Feldman, along with other Israeli soldiers, found themselves caught in one of the most brutal and costly battles of the war. It took place near the village of Sultan Yacoub, and it would come to symbolize one of the IDF’s darkest hours. Indeed, this battle is considered one of the IDF's greatest failures during Operation Peace for Galilee.

Tank Battalion 362, from Brigade 399, which advanced forward, found itself surrounded by a large Syrian force. After an eight-hour battle, the battalion managed to extricate itself with the help of heavy artillery fire while retreating from the crossroads.

The battle took place in the "Small Bekaa" plain, an agricultural area divided by irrigation ditches, and was controlled by high ridges, including Jebel Araba to the west and the Ridge of Lebanon to the east.

The IDF, as part of Division 90, was preparing to capture the Bekaa region up to the Beirut-Damascus road. Brigade 399, led by Miki Shahar, spearheaded the advance along the "Mikha" route. Battalion 362 was sent to create roadblocks for a large-scale offensive.

One of the key factors affecting the battle’s outcome was faulty and inadequate intelligence. The IDF observation on Mount Hermon spotted movement of Syrian BMP-1 APCs on the "Mikha" route, but the intelligence didn’t clarify their affiliation or position. An observation from Jebel Araba reported the area to be empty of Syrian vehicles, but in reality, Syrian APCs were near the IDF forces. Investigations revealed that intelligence about Syrian forces in the "Tublano Triangle" existed but was unclear whether and when it reached the field commanders.

Course of the Battle

The battle had two phases:

1. Ambush: Battalion 362 entered a Syrian-occupied area at the "Tublano Triangle," based on incorrect information about a clear route and Syrian retreat.

2. Rescue: After a difficult battle from midnight until 10:00 AM, the battalion was reinforced by an armored division. With the help of heavy artillery fire, the battalion managed to extract itself, while the Syrian brigade withdrew.

Brigade 399 began moving north at 8:00 PM, led by Company K Commander Nir Hadar, but progress was slow outside the main route, with instructions not to fire on retreating Syrians or without positive identification.

Around 11:30 PM, the battalion identified suspicious vehicles on the "Mikha" route, but after investigation, it turned out to be an Israeli artillery unit that had lost its way.

General Avigdor Ben-Gal, who joined the communication, reprimanded the forces for their slow progress. Around midnight, Battalion 362’s mission changed to block at "Mikha 40." During their advance, they were mistakenly fired upon by Brigade 943, causing the deaths of five tank crew members and damaging two tanks. Later, the battalion was ambushed by Syrian forces in the "Tublano Triangle," under heavy anti-tank and small arms fire.

The battle became even more difficult as Battalion 362 entered a heavily fortified Syrian position. Attempts to join with other platoons failed under heavy fire, and tanks were damaged. The brigade commander ordered Battalion 363 to assist, but this attempt was met with Syrian fire, and the lead tank was hit. The Syrians attacked throughout the night, but Israeli machine gun and mortar fire prevented an assault.

By dawn, it became clear that there was no clear rescue plan. Air support was delayed due to concerns about missiles and didn’t arrive until 08:30. The transfer of command to Division 880 caused confusion. However, heavy artillery support, led by Colonel Ehud Becker, eventually allowed the battalion to be rescued. At 8:45, the battalion’s rescue operation began under a "wall of fire" of approximately 8,000 shells.

Around 10 out of 20 vehicles were extracted without damage,

The battle at Sultan Yacoub was catastrophic for Israel. The fighting was intense—Israeli tanks and armored vehicles were destroyed, and despite hours of ferocious combat, the IDF was forced to retreat. This retreat was seen as a Syrian victory, despite the heavy losses they suffered as well.

The IDF suffered heavy losses: 21 soldiers were killed and over 30 were injured. The IDF lost numerous armored vehicles, including APCs and tanks.

But the battle’s true sting came later. Five soldiers were declared missing: Hazi Shay, Arik Lieberman, Tzvi Feldman, Zacharia Baumel, and Yehuda Katz.

Hazi Shay, was released as part of a Jibril deal, and Lieberman, the second prisoner, was released in a prisoner swap with Syria.

In 2019, a significant breakthrough occurred with the recovery of Zachary Baumel's remains through Operation Bittersweet Song, a complex mission involving Israeli intelligence and Russian cooperation.

The operation entailed the retrieval of multiple sets of remains from Syria.

The culmination of years of diplomatic and intelligence efforts led to the return of Zvi Feldman's remains to Israel today. The recovery was facilitated through continued collaboration with international partners.

For the families of the missing soldiers, every day without closure was a heartbreaking wait. Today, after decades of uncertainty, the family of Tzvi Feldman can finally bury their beloved son and brother. The return of his remains marks the end of an agonizing journey, but not the end of the pain.

“We never gave up hope,” said Feldman’s family. “Now, after all these years, we can finally give him the burial he deserves. It’s bittersweet: he never came back, but at least we can bring him home.”

As for Yehuda Katz, his family still waits for the day his remains are found, hoping that the search for their loved one will continue until they can hold his memory close.

What Went Wrong?

The Battle of Sultan Yacoub was a clear example of how quickly things can go wrong in war. The IDF had relied on faulty intelligence that led them into a trap. Expecting an easy advance through the area, they instead found themselves surrounded by Syrian forces. The soldiers fought bravely, but with little support and nowhere to turn, they were overwhelmed.

Despite hours of heavy fighting, the IDF eventually retreated, leaving behind a legacy of loss. The scene was one of devastation: tanks destroyed, soldiers wounded, and the toll of the battle was etched in the memory of all who fought.

A Defining Moment

The failure at Sultan Yacoub became a defining moment in Israel’s military history. It was a reminder of the harsh realities of war and the price paid for mistakes. But more than that, it became a symbol of resilience.

For the families of those who died, the return of Tzvi Feldman’s body today is not just the end of a chapter: it’s a moment of triumph over decades of grief. It’s proof that no matter how many years pass, Israel will never forget its fallen soldiers.

As the nation reflects on the painful past, it also honors the courage of those who gave everything for Israel. And for the Feldman family, today is the day they finally get to say goodbye.

Channel 14 and Ynet contributed to this article.