Victory at Entebbe

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.