Lebanon: Shun calls for info on Ron Arad, other Israeli MIAs

The Lebanese army on Saturday warned people not to respond to recorded phone messages asking for information about missing Israeli air man Ron Arad and other Israel Defense Forces troops missing in action.

Lebanese have been receiving phone messages periodically for more than a year asking people to view a Web site or call if they have information on missing Israeli soldiers, including Arad, whose plane was shot down over Lebanon in 1986.

The Web site, www.10million.org, belongs to a foundation set up by the Israeli government and offers a U.S. $10 million reward.

An army statement said Saturday that the messages were a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. It said any response would be considered clear collaboration with Israel.

Israel has in the past refused to say if it was behind the calls.