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The Entebbe Raid: A Daring Rescue Mission
The Entebbe Raid was a daring rescue mission by Israeli special forces to free hostages held at Entebbe Airport in Uganda in 1976. The raid is considered one of the most successful hostage rescue operations in history, and it remains a testament to the skill and courage of the Israeli military.
The crisis began on June 27, 1976, when four members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and two members of the German Revolutionary Cells hijacked an Air France flight from Tel Aviv to Paris. The hijackers demanded the release of 40 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel and other countries. They threatened to kill the hostages if their demands were not met.
The hijackers flew the plane to Entebbe Airport in Uganda, where they were welcomed by the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. Amin, a close ally of the Palestinians, allowed the hijackers to use Uganda as a base of operations. The hostages were held in the airport terminal, where they were subjected to harsh conditions. The hijackers separated the Jewish hostages from the others, and they began to demand that the Israeli government negotiate with them.
The Israeli government was determined to rescue the hostages. They quickly assembled a team of special forces, codenamed “Operation Thunderbolt,” which was tasked with planning and executing the raid. The team was led by Yonatan Netanyahu, brother of future Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Israeli government also contacted several other governments, including those of France, Britain, and Kenya, for assistance.
On July 4, 1976, the Israeli special forces launched their raid. They flew into Entebbe Airport in four C-130 Hercules transport planes, disguised as Ugandan Air Force aircraft. The raid was meticulously planned, and the Israeli forces were able to overcome the hijackers’ defenses. They freed 103 hostages, including 73 Israelis, and killed seven hijackers and three Ugandan soldiers. The Israeli forces also killed Idi Amin’s personal bodyguard, who had attempted to shoot at the Israeli commandos.
The Entebbe Raid was a remarkable military operation. It was a complex and risky mission, but the Israeli special forces executed it flawlessly. The raid was a major victory for Israel, and it helped to raise the country’s international profile. The raid also showed the world the capabilities of the Israeli military. The Entebbe Raid is still studied by military strategists around the world, and it is considered a classic example of a successful hostage rescue operation.
The raid also had a significant impact on Israeli politics. It solidified the popularity of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who had authorized the operation. It also led to the creation of a special forces unit, the Sayeret Matkal, which would go on to play a key role in many other Israeli military operations.
The Entebbe Raid is a testament to the courage and determination of the Israeli people. It is a story of hope and resilience, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, freedom can be achieved.
Legacy of the Entebbe Raid
The Entebbe Raid had a profound impact on the world. It showed the world the capabilities of the Israeli military, and it raised Israel’s international profile. The raid also inspired other countries to develop their own special forces units. The Entebbe Raid remains a classic example of a successful hostage rescue operation, and it is still studied by military strategists around the world.
The raid also had a significant impact on Israeli politics. It solidified the popularity of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who had authorized the operation. It also led to the creation of a special forces unit, the Sayeret Matkal, which would go on to play a key role in many other Israeli military operations.
The Entebbe Raid is a testament to the courage and determination of the Israeli people. It is a story of hope and resilience, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, freedom can be achieved.