The Entebbe raid, also known as Operation Thunderbolt, was a successful rescue mission carried out by Israeli commandos on July 3-4, 1976. A French airliner hijacked by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and Red Army Faction was diverted to Entebbe Airport in Uganda, where the hijackers demanded the release of 53 militants imprisoned in Israel and other countries. In response, Israel dispatched a force of 100-200 soldiers on four Hercules C-130H cargo planes escorted by Phantom jet fighters, who flew to Uganda and rescued 103 hostages within an hour of landing. The operation resulted in the death of all seven hijackers, destruction of 11 Ugandan MiG fighters, and the loss of one Israeli soldier and three hostages. On the return trip, the Israeli planes met an awaiting hospital plane and refueled at Nairobi, Kenya. The successful raid was a significant boost to Israeli morale.
The operation was led by Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu, who was the older brother of Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Prime Minister of Israel. Unfortunately he was killed during Operation Entebbe on July 4, 1976. He was shot and killed when exchanges of fire with Ugandan soldiers erupted as he led the Israeli commandos into the building where the hostages were being held. Operation Entebbe was later renamed Operation Yonatan in his memory.
Idi Amin, former Ugandan President, supported the hijackers, allowing them to land at Entebbe Airport and providing them with resources. He publicly endorsed their demands and refused international pressure to negotiate with Israel or permit intervention. Amin’s actions led to Israel’s decision to launch Operation Thunderbolt.
Here’s a summary of the events leading to Operation Thunderbolt
– June 27, 1976: Air France Flight 139 was hijacked with 246 passengers, mainly Jewish and Israeli, and a crew of 12.
– June 28, 1976: The plane arrived at Entebbe Airport in Uganda, where the hijackers were joined by at least four others supported by President Idi Amin’s forces.
– June 28, 1976: A PFLP-EO hijacker demanded the release of 53 Palestinian and pro-Palestinian militants and a ransom of $5 million for the release of the airplane.
– June 29, 1976: The hijackers separated the Israelis from the other hostages and told them to move to an adjoining room.
– June 30, 1976: The hijackers released 48 hostages, mostly elderly and sick passengers and mothers with children.
– July 1, 1976: The Israeli government agreed to negotiations, and the hostage-takers extended their deadline to noon on July 4, releasing another group of 100 non-Israeli captives.
– July 3, 1976: The Israeli cabinet approved a rescue mission presented by Major General Yekutiel Adam and Brigadier General Dan Shomron.
