Israel to launch inquiry into 1982 bombing at Israeli military HQ in Tyre that killed over 90

Israeli authorities say they will open a commission of inquiry into a deadly explosion at Israel’s military headquarters in Tyre during the first Lebanon war in 1982, widely believed to have been a suicide bombing.

Officially, Israel has said the explosion, known as the first Tyre bombing, was caused by a gas leak, although multiple reports have suggested it was a Hezbollah suicide bombing attack.

The explosion killed at least 91 people according to Israeli officials, including 75 Israelis and several more Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners.

In a joint statement by the Israel Defense Forces, Shin Bet security agency, and Israel Police, officials say that a team established in November to examine materials related to the incident found that there is reason to believe the bombing was a deliberate attack.

A commission of inquiry headed by Maj. Gen. (res.) Amir Abulafia, the former commander of the military’s Planning Directorate, will “examine the findings of the probe team and other materials, in order to form a final position on the matter,” the statement says.

Officials have said the case is being reopened “out of respect for the fallen and the search for the truth.”