Explore the detailed timeline of the Entebbe Raid, a historic hostage-rescue mission executed by Israeli commandos in 1976. Discover the sequence of events leading up to, during, and following this daring operation at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.
27 juni 1976
3 juli 1976
4 juli 1976
9 juli 1976
10 juli 1976
14 juli 1976
27 januari 1977
4 augustus 1980
27 juni 1996
4 juli 2016
27juni
1976
27 June 1976
Entebbe Hijacking
On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139, with 248 passengers, was hijacked by two members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - External Operations (PFLP-EO) and two members of the German Revolutionary Cells. The flight initially from Tel Aviv to Paris was forced to land in Entebbe, Uganda. The hijackers demanded the release of 40 Palestinians held in Israel and 13 other detainees imprisoned in Kenya, France, Switzerland, and Germany.
03juli
1976
03 July 1976
Operation Thunderbolt Planning
On July 3, 1976, Israeli military planners finalized Operation Thunderbolt, a daring raid to free the hostages at Entebbe Airport. The operation was devised after intelligence gathered indicated that Ugandan dictator Idi Amin was collaborating with the hijackers. The plan involved a surprise landing of Israeli commandos at Entebbe, neutralizing the hijackers, and rescuing the hostages. It was a high-risk operation given the distance and the need for absolute precision.
04juli
1976
04 July 1976
Operation Entebbe Executed
On the night of July 4, 1976, Israeli commandos conducted a covert mission to rescue 106 hostages held by pro-Palestinian terrorists at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The mission lasted 90 minutes, and soldiers advanced under cover of darkness. Upon landing, Israeli forces stormed the terminal, killed all seven hijackers, and freed the hostages. However, three hostages were killed during the raid, and the commander of the mission, Yonatan Netanyahu, was also killed by gunfire.
09juli
1976
09 July 1976
Israeli Public Reaction
On July 9, 1976, Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and the Israeli public celebrated Operation Entebbe as a great success. The public hailed the military's swift and decisive action, praising the commandos who bravely risked their lives to save the hostages. The media extensively covered the bravery and precision of the operation, and it was seen as a significant achievement for the Israeli Defense Forces. Rabin declared it a message that terrorism will not succeed.
10juli
1976
10 July 1976
Ugandan Government's Reaction
On July 10, 1976, the Ugandan government, led by President Idi Amin, condemned the Israeli raid on Entebbe as a violation of its sovereignty. Amin accused Israel of aggression and threatened to seek revenge. The incident soured relations between Uganda and Israel, leading to increased tension in the region. Meanwhile, Uganda demanded reparations and an apology and threatened to take the issue to the United Nations. The international community was polarized in its reaction to the raid.
14juli
1976
14 July 1976
United Nations Debates Raid
On July 14, 1976, the United Nations Security Council convened to discuss Israel's raid at Entebbe. The Ugandan government sought condemnation of Israel's actions, arguing a breach of international law. Supporters of Israel highlighted the humanitarian nature of the operation, emphasizing the necessity to save civilian lives taken hostage by terrorists. The debate underscored the global divide on issues of counterterrorism and national sovereignty, reflecting Cold War geopolitical tensions.
27januari
1977
27 January 1977
David's Sling Testimony Published
On January 27, 1977, the book 'Entebbe: A Defining Moment in the War on Terrorism—The Jonathan Netanyahu Story' by Iddo Netanyahu, published posthumously, provided an insight into the Entebbe raid's operational details and its significance in counter-terrorism. The narrative focused on both military strategy and the raid's impact on global anti-terrorism efforts. Yonatan Netanyahu, who was killed during the raid, was posthumously celebrated as a hero, and his leadership was widely praised.
04augustus
1980
04 August 1980
Film 'Raid on Entebbe' Released
On August 4, 1980, the American television film 'Raid on Entebbe' was released. It dramatized the events of the 1976 hostage crisis and the subsequent rescue mission. The film starred Peter Finch, Charles Bronson, and Yaphet Kotto, and reached a wide audience, becoming a cultural touchstone that helped disseminate the story of the Entebbe raid. Its portrayal of the intense situation at Entebbe highlighted the complexities and heroism involved in international counter-terrorism operations.
27juni
1996
27 June 1996
20th Anniversary
On June 27, 1996, the 20th anniversary of the Entebbe raid was marked by various commemorations in Israel and around the world. Memorable events included a public service held in Jerusalem attended by various dignitaries and surviving freed hostages. The event highlighted the significance of the successful rescue operation and honored the memory of Yonatan Netanyahu. Surviving members of the mission and former hostages participated in media interviews, recounting their experiences and reflecting on the operation's legacy.
04juli
2016
04 July 2016
40th Anniversary Commemoration
On July 4, 2016, Israel commemorated the 40th anniversary of Operation Entebbe with ceremonies attended by government officials and veterans of the operation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was the younger brother of the fallen commando Yonatan Netanyahu, delivered a speech honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the mission. This was a moment to reflect on the impact and influence of Operation Entebbe on Israeli military doctrine and its message against terrorism worldwide.
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