**Operation Entebbe: The Bold 1976 Israeli Rescue Mission**
In the annals of military history, few operations have captured the world’s imagination and admiration like Operation Entebbe. This daring rescue mission, executed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in July 1976, stands as a testament to meticulous planning, audacious execution, and the unyielding resolve to protect citizens from terrorism.
### The Hijacking
On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139, en route from Tel Aviv to Paris with a stopover in Athens, 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 hijackers diverted the Airbus A300 to Entebbe Airport in Uganda, where they were joined by additional terrorists and received support from Ugandan dictator Idi Amin.
The hijackers demanded the release of 40 Palestinians held in Israel and 13 other detainees imprisoned in Kenya, France, Switzerland, and Germany. They threatened to kill the hostages if their demands were not met by July 1.
### The Hostage Situation
Upon landing at Entebbe, the hostages were taken to the old terminal of the airport. The terrorists separated Israeli and Jewish passengers from the others, releasing many non-Jewish hostages over the following days. This left approximately 106 hostages, primarily Israelis and Jews, in grave danger.
### Planning the Rescue
As negotiations dragged on, Israel began to consider a military solution. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, authorized a rescue mission after intelligence reports indicated that a military operation was feasible. The plan was audacious: fly over 2,500 miles to Uganda, storm the airport, rescue the hostages, and return safely to Israel.
The operation was meticulously planned by IDF commanders, including Major General Yekutiel Adam and Brigadier General Dan Shomron. The mission’s success hinged on surprise, speed, and precision.
### Execution of Operation Entebbe
On July 3, 1976, four Israeli C-130 Hercules transport aircraft took off from Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. The planes carried 100 elite commandos from Sayeret Matkal, Golani Brigade, and paratroopers. The lead plane carried a black Mercedes and Land Rovers to mimic Idi Amin’s motorcade, hoping to deceive Ugandan soldiers.
The operation commenced just before midnight on July 4. The commandos landed undetected at Entebbe Airport and quickly moved towards the old terminal. Using the element of surprise, they stormed the building, neutralizing the terrorists within minutes. Three hostages were killed during the raid, but 102 were rescued.
### Aftermath and Legacy
The operation lasted just 90 minutes but had far-reaching consequences. Three hostages died during the raid: Dora Bloch, who had been taken to a hospital before the raid and was later murdered by Ugandan soldiers; Jean-Jacques Mimouni; and Ida Borochovitch. Additionally, Yonatan Netanyahu, the commander of the assault team and older brother of future Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was killed during the operation.
Operation Entebbe was hailed as a remarkable success and a significant blow to international terrorism. It demonstrated Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens and showcased its military prowess. The mission also strained relations between Israel and Uganda, leading to increased international scrutiny of Idi Amin’s regime.
### Conclusion
Operation Entebbe remains one of the most daring and successful hostage rescue missions in history. It exemplifies the importance of intelligence, planning, and execution in military operations. The mission not only saved lives but also sent a powerful message about the lengths to which nations will go to protect their citizens from terrorism.