Israeli Soldier, Lost in Lebanon During Fighting. Returned by Lebanese Army

A young Israeli lieutenant who with his small command was lost inside Lebanon over the week-end, persuaded a Lebanese Army unit to escort him and his men to safety and managed to capture five Arab terrorists at the same time, it was reported here yesterday. The officer, identified by Army sources only as Lt. Shaul, got personal congratulations from Defense Minister Moshe Dayan who visited his home.

According to the Army’s account, Lt. Shaul and six men in a half-track were pursuing terrorists in Lebanon during mop-up operations Sunday when they became separated from withdrawing Israeli units near Juwaya village and were misdirected by a Lebanese villager who was asked the way to the border. Night had fallen and after travelling several miles in the wrong direction Lt. Shaul was confronted by a Lebanese Army detachment of about 20 officers and men.

The Lebanese had a jeep and an armored car mounting a recoilless cannon at their disposal. Lt. Shaul had nerve. He jumped on the armored car and ordered the Lebanese troops to disarm and follow his instructions. The Lebanese commanding officer complied and without resistance led the Israeli half-track to a village where it refueled and then proceeded to escort it toward the border.

Mindful of possible roadblocks, Lt. Shaul had his Lebanese counterpart radio all Lebanese positions ahead to hold their fire. On the way to the border five armed terrorists were captured. At the borderline, T. Shaul’s group was met by an Israeli unit that had gone out to search for the missing half-track. The helpful Lebanese soldiers and their officer were released, as Lt. Shaul had promised. The terrorists were taken into custody.

The Belgian government, in cooperation with its European partners, will take measures to protect the nation against terrorist acts.