Victory at Entebbe

Victory at Entebbe

Year: 1976

Runtime: 119 mins

Language: English

Director: Marvin J. Chomsky

HistoryTV MovieDramaAction

The film dramatizes the daring 1976 Operation Entebbe, in which Israeli commandos launched a surprise raid on Entebbe Airport in Uganda to free passengers taken hostage after a hijacking. It follows the meticulous planning, the tense negotiations, and the courageous execution of the seemingly impossible rescue.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Victory at Entebbe yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Victory at Entebbe (1976)

Trace every key event in Victory at Entebbe (1976) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Hijacking of Air France Flight 139

Four terrorists hijack an Air France Airbus A300 during a flight in Athens, forcing the plane to divert to Entebbe, Uganda. They seize the passengers and take control of the airliner, using the crisis to press their demands. The incident launches an international hostage situation that will unfold over the following days.

June 27, 1976 Athens, Greece
2

Diversion to Entebbe and initial hostage negotiations

At Entebbe, Israeli passengers are identified and non-Jewish travelers are released. The hijackers present a set of demands, including the release of 40 Palestinian militants held in Israel. Negotiations begin as the clock ticks on a precarious stalemate.

June 27, 1976 Entebbe, Uganda
3

Israel rejects ransom and approves a rescue plan

The Cabinet of Israel, led by Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, refuses to concede to the terrorists. It authorizes a top secret military operation named Operation Thunderbolt. The decision sets in motion a daring cross continental rescue.

Late June 1976 Tel Aviv, Israel
4

Raid planning and force preparation

The Israeli military mobilizes two Lockheed C-130 transports and drafts a stealthy approach. A decoy black Mercedes is prepared to fool sentries and help smuggle commandos into the facility. The operation is timed to occur during the Jewish Sabbath, underscoring the peril and resolve.

Early July 1976 Tel Aviv, Israel
5

Transports refuel in Kenya and head toward Entebbe

The two C-130s refuel in Kenya before continuing to Entebbe under cover of darkness. The refueling stop enables the raid to proceed with minimal delay and maximum surprise. The crew remains focused on the looming mission.

Early July 1976 Kenya
6

Arrival at Entebbe and initial deployment

The transports land at Entebbe Airport and troops begin to move to secure the terminal under night conditions. The operation uses the decoy vehicle to mislead Ugandan sentries while the main team closes in on the hostages. The escape plan is being executed with precision.

July 4, 1976 Entebbe, Uganda
7

Breach, firefight, and casualties

Commandos breach the perimeter and engage Ugandan forces in a fierce firefight. All seven terrorists are killed, along with about 45 Ugandan soldiers. The raid continues despite heavy resistance as the hostages remain a priority.

July 4, 1976 Entebbe, Uganda
8

Hostages gathered and prepared for departure

With the terrorists eliminated, the hostages are gathered and loaded onto the idle C-130 aircraft for transfer to safety. The rapid movement to the planes minimizes exposure and preserves the rescue plan. The operation then moves toward finalizing the evacuation.

July 4, 1976 Entebbe, Uganda
9

Yonatan Netanyahu killed during the assault

Yonatan Netanyahu, commander of the breach unit and brother of a future Israeli prime minister, is killed in action during the raid. His death marks a major personal and national loss for Israel. The operation continues with the remaining commandos maintaining momentum.

July 4, 1976 Entebbe, Uganda
10

Destruction of Ugandan air force jets

A group of remaining commandos stays behind to destroy Ugandan MiG fighters to prevent retaliation against the departing rescuers. The preemptive strike safeguards the return flight and reduces the risk to the hostages and rescuers. The airfield becomes a no go zone for Ugandan air power.

July 4, 1976 Entebbe, Uganda
11

Survivors fly back to Israel

The surviving commandos and freed hostages board the aircraft for their flight back to Israel. They make stops in Nairobi and Sharm El Sheikh before completing the journey. The successful evacuation results in 102 hostages reaching safety in Israel.

July 4–5, 1976 Nairobi, Kenya; Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
12

Mission conclusion and legacy

The operation concludes with the rescue of the hostages and the neutralization of the immediate threat. It becomes a defining example of a precise, high-stakes military rescue. The raid is remembered for the bravery, strategic planning, and the ultimate sacrifice of Yonatan Netanyahu.

July 1976 Israel

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:42

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Victory at Entebbe

Don't stop at just watching — explore Victory at Entebbe in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Victory at Entebbe is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Victory at Entebbe Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Victory at Entebbe, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Victory at Entebbe Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Victory at Entebbe

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Victory at Entebbe. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Victory at Entebbe

More About Victory at Entebbe

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Victory at Entebbe: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Victory at Entebbe

Similar Movies to Victory at Entebbe

Discover movies like Victory at Entebbe that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.