In the annals of military history, few operations have captured the world’s attention like Operation Entebbe. It was a mission fraught with peril, a daring rescue that unfolded against the backdrop of international terror. What began as a routine flight on June 27, 1976, rapidly descended into a week-long hostage crisis that tested Israel’s resolve and ingenuity. The successful rescue of over 100 hostages from Entebbe Airport in Uganda marked a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, showcasing its military prowess and its commitment to protecting its citizens, no matter the cost.
A police officer clears the way for rescued Operation Entebbe hostages returning from Entebbe Airport in 1976.
The Hijacking and Hostage Crisis
The crisis began when Air France Flight 139, en route from Tel Aviv to Paris, was hijacked by two members of the German Revolutionary Cells and two operatives from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Armed and determined, the hijackers diverted the plane to Benghazi, Libya, and eventually to Entebbe, Uganda. Once on the ground, the hostages were separated—Israelis and Jews were held in the old terminal building, while non-Israelis were released and flown back to Paris.
Ugandan dictator Idi Amin offered his support to the hijackers, complicating any potential rescue. For the 94 hostages and 12 crew members left behind, the situation grew increasingly dire. The hijackers demanded $5 million and the release of 53 prisoners from various countries, setting the stage for a tense standoff.
Idi Amin
The Planning of Operation Entebbe
Back in Israel, a daring plan was being devised. The task of organizing the rescue fell to military officers, including future Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Intelligence suggested that Amin, who had close ties to the hijackers, would be away on a diplomatic trip, offering a narrow window of opportunity. The operation was meticulously planned: four Hercules transport planes would fly to Uganda, with commandos disguised as Ugandan soldiers. The mission would be led by Yonatan Netanyahu, the brother of future Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Commander Yonatan Netanyahu
As the team prepared for the mission, the stakes could not have been higher. The operation was a gamble, relying on precise timing, the element of surprise, and the ability to land in total darkness. On the night of July 4, 1976, the plan was set into motion.
The Daring Rescue
Under the cover of darkness, the first Hercules plane landed at Entebbe Airport. A vehicle resembling those used by Idi Amin was quickly deployed, carrying Israeli commandos disguised as Ugandan soldiers. However, the plan’s secrecy was compromised when a Ugandan guard raised his weapon, prompting the commandos to open fire. What followed was a chaotic exchange of gunfire that left all the hijackers and 20 Ugandan soldiers dead.
The hostages were swiftly escorted to the waiting aircraft, but the cost of the operation was not without tragedy. Yonatan Netanyahu, the mission’s commander, was fatally wounded during the initial assault. His death cast a somber shadow over what was otherwise a remarkable victory.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Operation Entebbe was hailed as a stunning success, and it sent a powerful message to the world: Israel would go to any lengths to protect its people. The operation not only solidified Israel’s reputation for military innovation but also had a lasting impact on its political landscape. Benjamin Netanyahu, Yonatan’s younger brother, would later rise to prominence, becoming one of Israel’s most influential leaders.
A joyous wave of the hand and a tense searching look by homecoming Air France hostages who were rescued from Entebbe Airport.
Renamed Operation Yonatan in honor of its fallen commander, the mission has since been studied in military academies worldwide. It remains a benchmark for counter-terrorism operations, illustrating the importance of decisiveness, intelligence, and the willingness to take risks.
Operation Entebbe stands as a testament to Israel’s resolve and its commitment to its citizens. In a world where acts of terrorism often seem to go unpunished, this operation serves as a reminder that bold action can prevail against overwhelming odds. The legacy of Entebbe endures, not only in the annals of history but in the hearts of those who continue to fight for freedom and justice.