President Vladimir Putin told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday that Russian special forces troops in Syria had found the remains of a U.S.-born Israeli soldier missing since 1982, allowing him to be finally buried.
The disappearance of Zachary Baumel, who was 21 when he fought in Israel's invasion of Lebanon and was declared missing in action along with two other soldiers in the Battle of Sultan Yacoub, has long troubled Israel.
Speaking at talks in Moscow with Netanyahu who is campaigning for a new term ahead of elections next week, Putin said Russian and Syrian forces had located Baumel's remains, but that it had been a difficult task.
"We are very happy that they will be able to give him the necessary military honors at home and most importantly... that his close relatives will be able to bring flowers to his grave," Putin said in comments published by the Kremlin.
Russia handed over a casket containing Baumel's personal effects, including his combat uniform, on Thursday.
