Remarks by former Mossad chief Shabtai Shavit last week passed unnoticed at first, but people are now beginning to sit up and take notice. \"We have intelligence proof,\" Shavit told a Tel Aviv University audience last week, \"that Ron Arad is being held by the Iranians. They at first denied having him, but as time passes, the damage they will suffer if they release him is growing larger and larger than had they released him at first.\" Yoske Harari, head of the Association to Free Ron Arad, said that there is evidence that Arad is alive but not in good health. Other sources close to the case said that no new concrete evidence had been uncovered about Arad\'s situation since 1988.
On Oct. 16, 1986, Capt. Ron Arad\'s Phantom aircraft flying over Sidon, Lebanon, blew up due to mechanical problems. Arad and his pilot bailed out and landed safely, but members of PLO and Shi\'ite gangs operating in the area surrounded the area. The pilot was rescued in a daring IDF helicopter operation, but navigator Ron Arad was taken prisoner by Lebanese Shi\'ite Amal terrorists, and has apparently been held captive ever since. The last sign of life from Arad was a photo received in 1988. The website provides additional information, including details on his lack of basic POW rights.
On Oct. 16, 1986, Capt. Ron Arad\'s Phantom aircraft flying over Sidon, Lebanon, blew up due to mechanical problems. Arad and his pilot bailed out and landed safely, but members of PLO and Shi\'ite gangs operating in the area surrounded the area. The pilot was rescued in a daring IDF helicopter operation, but navigator Ron Arad was taken prisoner by Lebanese Shi\'ite Amal terrorists, and has apparently been held captive ever since. The last sign of life from Arad was a photo received in 1988. The website