Yedioth Ahronoth: This is how the process of returning Zvi Feldman’s remains from Syria took place

Israeli Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, revealed how the remains of Zvi Feldman were returned from Syria.

According to the Israeli newspaper, the foreign Israeli intelligence “Mossad” sent a non-Israeli task force that was operating in risky mission, as the lives of the agents were at danger.

Intensive work, dozens of kilometers from the border, had begun five months ago, right under Assad’s nose, before his fall, as the Mossad agents’ unit reached a stage where it was difficult to bring them back to work at the site and convince them to do so, but a field trick was implemented that enabled them to obtain permission to be present in the area.

The Mossad’s cell work was meticulous and they advanced a few centimeters each time while maintaining a good relationship with the cemetery guards.

Although digging wasn’t permitted, the agents were able to obtain evidence.

After examining the DNA, we realized that we were in the right place, as it was very complicated because we had to take bags out of there.

One of the sources, who revealed to the Israeli newspaper said, “When we saw Feldman’s suit, I felt we’d arrived and were in the right place, even before the DNA test… A note reached the head of the Mossad that read: ‘We found the suit… It was very touching”.

He added, “There are other open cases, such as those of Eli Cohen, Ron Arad, Elizabeth Tsurkov in Iraq, and others… We’re continuing to work and won’t abandon those outside Gaza or those inside it… This gives the families hope”.

This operation was carried out in cooperation with the Israeli army on the intelligence and operational levels, because ultimately, we need the army’s assistance to cross the border, and it wasn’t “blue and white” operation (i.e., entirely Israeli), but rather an institutional operation (carried out by Mossad agents) and not linked to a border crossing.

The only crossing was to return his remains to Israel, and no force crossed from Israel into Syria.

The force was fired upon more than once, and in the end, we found a good solution that allowed them to feel safer during the operation.

Regarding outside support, the source said, “The operation didn’t include the participation of the Druze in Syria, and Russia had no role in it”.

According to the source, “Feldman’s remains were in a cemetery, as the cemetery guards had orders to shoot anyone who tried to tamper with the graves, but we were able to find a way to deal with the guards”.

As for the case of the remains of spy Eli Cohen the issue is completely different, as Feldman and Cohen weren’t buried in the same place, and according to the source, “ we don’t yet know where he was buried, however, we are making great efforts on this file, and we hope to have positive news soon”.