Entebbe raid

On July 4, 2016, Israel commemorated the 40th anniversary of Operation Entebbe with ceremonies attended by government officials and veterans of the operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was the younger brother of the fallen commando Yonatan Netanyahu, delivered a speech honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the mission. This was a moment to reflect on the impact and influence of Operation Entebbe on Israeli military doctrine and its message against terrorism worldwide.

On June 27, 1996, the 20th anniversary of the Entebbe raid was marked by various commemorations in Israel and around the world. Memorable events included a public service held in Jerusalem attended by various dignitaries and surviving freed hostages. The event highlighted the significance of the successful rescue operation and honored the memory of Yonatan Netanyahu. Surviving members of the mission and former hostages participated in media interviews, recounting their experiences and reflecting on the operation's legacy.

On August 4, 1980, the American television film 'Raid on Entebbe' was released. It dramatized the events of the 1976 hostage crisis and the subsequent rescue mission. The film starred Peter Finch, Charles Bronson, and Yaphet Kotto, and reached a wide audience, becoming a cultural touchstone that helped disseminate the story of the Entebbe raid. Its portrayal of the intense situation at Entebbe highlighted the complexities and heroism involved in international counter-terrorism operations.

On January 27, 1977, the book 'Entebbe: A Defining Moment in the War on Terrorism—The Jonathan Netanyahu Story' by Iddo Netanyahu, published posthumously, provided an insight into the Entebbe raid's operational details and its significance in counter-terrorism. The narrative focused on both military strategy and the raid's impact on global anti-terrorism efforts. Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed during the raid, was posthumously celebrated as a hero, and his leadership was widely praised.

On July 14, 1976, the United Nations Security Council convened to discuss Israel's raid at Entebbe. The Ugandan government sought condemnation of Israel's actions, arguing a breach of international law. Supporters of Israel highlighted the humanitarian nature of the operation, emphasizing the necessity to save civilian lives taken hostage by terrorists. The debate underscored the global divide on issues of counterterrorism and national sovereignty, reflecting Cold War geopolitical tensions.

On July 10, 1976, the Ugandan government, led by President Idi Amin, condemned the Israeli raid on Entebbe as a violation of its sovereignty. Amin accused Israel of aggression and threatened to seek revenge. The incident soured relations between Uganda and Israel, leading to increased tension in the region. Meanwhile, Uganda demanded reparations and an apology and threatened to take the issue to the United Nations. The international community was polarized in its reaction to the raid.

On July 9, 1976, Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the Israeli public celebrated Operation Entebbe as a great success. The public hailed the military's swift and decisive action, praising the commandos who bravely risked their lives to save the hostages. The media extensively covered the bravery and precision of the operation, and it was seen as a significant achievement for the Israeli Defense Forces. Rabin declared it a message that terrorism will not succeed.

On the night of July 4, 1976, Israeli commandos conducted a covert mission to rescue 106 hostages held by pro-Palestinian terrorists at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The mission lasted 90 minutes, and soldiers advanced under cover of darkness. Upon landing, Israeli forces stormed the terminal, killed all seven hijackers, and freed the hostages. However, three hostages were killed during the raid, and the commander of the mission, Yonatan Netanyahu, was also killed by gunfire.

On July 3, 1976, Israeli military planners finalized Operation Thunderbolt, a daring raid to free the hostages at Entebbe Airport. The operation was devised after intelligence gathered indicated that Ugandan dictator Idi Amin was collaborating with the hijackers. The plan involved a surprise landing of Israeli commandos at Entebbe, neutralizing the hijackers, and rescuing the hostages. It was a high-risk operation given the distance and the need for absolute precision.

On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139, with 248 passengers, was hijacked by two members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - External Operations (PFLP-EO) and two members of the German Revolutionary Cells. The flight initially from Tel Aviv to Paris was forced to land in Entebbe, Uganda. The hijackers demanded the release of 40 Palestinians held in Israel and 13 other detainees imprisoned in Kenya, France, Switzerland, and Germany.