The Night That Changed History: Operation Entebbe and Netanyahu’s Personal Tragedy
Imagine the night between July 3 and 4, 1976, a hot African night at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. There, one of the boldest and most brilliant military operations in history took place – the rescue of hostages hijacked on an Air France plane. But behind this magnificent success lies a deep personal tragedy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
How did it all start?
On June 27, 1976, an Air France plane took off from Tel Aviv to Paris, with a stopover in Athens. Four hijackers – two Palestinians from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and two German left-wing extremists – took control of the plane. They separated Israeli passengers and held them hostage, releasing the others. The plane was forced to land in Entebbe, under the control of brutal Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, known for mass killings and support for Palestinian militants.
Israel’s decision: negotiate or act?
Israel faced a tough choice: negotiate with terrorists or launch a military operation. Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Defense Minister Shimon Peres weighed options, but when it became clear negotiations would fail, they decided to act.
The hero and the tragedy: Yonatan Netanyahu
At the head of the elite Sayeret Matkal unit was Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, the older brother of the then-prime minister. Yoni was a war veteran, brilliant commander, and embodiment of courage. The plan was perfect: four Israeli C-130 planes would land in the dark, surprise the hijackers, free the hostages, and withdraw in less than two hours.
Lightning-fast operation and loss
The operation lasted only 90 minutes. The hijackers were killed, the hostages rescued, but Yoni Netanyahu was hit by a sniper and died en route to the plane. He was the only Israeli soldier killed in the operation. His death deeply shook Israel and became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice.
Legacy and controversies
Operation Entebbe, later named Operation Yonatan, became a model for future counter-terrorism missions worldwide. Although Benjamin Netanyahu built his political career on the values he learned from his brother, his current political figure is controversial due to nationalist policies and corruption allegations. Many no longer see him as a symbol of survival struggle but as a figure of division.
Conclusion
In a world where hijackings and terrorism have become routine, Operation Entebbe remains a message: Israel does not abandon its people. But behind every great victory lies a personal tragedy shaping the destinies of nations and individuals.
So, what do you think? Who is the real hero of this story – the state or the man? Or is it a story about both? Drop a comment and let the conversation roll!
