Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: The IDF's impressive attack on the Da'ahiya of Beirut thwarted Hezbollah's chain of operational command, but also led to the closing of an important circle for the State of Israel, for the IDF, and personally - for me as well.
Exactly 27 years ago, in September 1997, 12 of the fighters of "Shayetet 13" (IDF Navy Seals), my friends and subordinates, who went on an operational activity deep in Lebanon under the command of the late Lt. Col. Yossi Korkin, fell in the difficult battle in Anzaria.
"The Shayetet disaster" happened a few months after I finished my position as the commander of the unit. I remember very well the fast drive from the Gaza unit, which I commanded at the time, to the Atlit naval base - those were particularly difficult hours.
From then until today, I embrace the bereaved families, visit the graves of the warriors, and proudly remember their heroism every day.