history 8 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Entebbe Raid's 50th Anniversary Marked by Memorial Unveiling
A statue honoring Lt Col Yoni Netanyahu, a key figure in the 1976 Entebbe raid, was recently unveiled in Entebbe, Uganda. The ceremony highlighted the enduring legacy of the counter-terrorism operation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/fifty-years-on-raid-on-entebbe-abides-5551552
Fifty years after the daring Israeli counter-terrorism raid on Entebbe Airport, the event continues to resonate, marked by recent commemorations. A statue of the late Lt Col Yoni Netanyahu, who led the operation and was tragically killed during the assault, was unveiled in Entebbe, Uganda.
The operation, codenamed “Operation Thunderbolt” or “Operation Entebbe,” saw Israeli commandos infiltrate Entebbe International Airport to rescue over 100 hostages. These hostages were held by Palestinian and German hijackers who had diverted an Air France flight from Tel Aviv to Entebbe.
The daring rescue mission, executed in the dead of night, became a defining moment in counter-terrorism history. It showcased the effectiveness of precision military intervention against international terrorism, though it came at a significant cost with the lives of the hostages and Lt Col Netanyahu.
The unveiling of the statue serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice involved. It stands as a symbol of remembrance, connecting the past to the present and acknowledging the historical significance of the events that unfolded at Entebbe. The ceremony underscores the enduring impact of the raid and its place in both Israeli and Ugandan history, fostering reflection on the complexities of that fateful intervention.
The continued remembrance fifty years later highlights the profound and lasting influence of the Entebbe raid on global security narratives and military strategy. It prompts ongoing discussions about the ethical and strategic dimensions of such operations.