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Entebbe raid 50th anniversary commemorations

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2026-08-03 07:05 UTC → 2026-08-16 01:52 UTC · added removed

Entebbe raid 50th anniversary commemorations

Israel’s State Archives released a cache of previously classified files in late June 2026, days before the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Entebbe hostage‑rescue. The documents show Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s crisis team initially rejected any negotiation with the Palestinian and West‑German hijackers, but pressure from families led to a tentative diplomatic track alongside secret raid preparations. A memo quoted in the files reads, “The zero hour is approaching … we believe that a supreme effort must be made and break the ultimatum.” The two‑track strategy involved French‑mediated talks with Idi Amin while mock‑ups of Entebbe Airport and transport aircraft were staged in Kenya. The raid on 4 July rescued all but three 102 of the 106 hostages, killed all hijackers and dozens of Ugandan soldiers, and resulted in the sole Israeli commando casualty, Lt. Col. Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu. Commemorations continued into August. On 1 August Anniversary commemorations in July sparked both reflection and controversy. While exhibitions featured personal testimonies from former hostages, the mission also prompted renewed debate regarding historical credit between the Netanyahu family and planners. During a state ceremony in Jerusalem was attended by President Isaac Herzog and Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who Netanyahu linked the historic mission raid to Israel’s current security challenges. The following day Uganda challenges, stating Israel is “systematically crushing the Iranian axis of evil.” However, dozens of veterans boycotted the event, with former deputy commander Matan Vilnai questioning the appropriateness of celebrations amid ongoing conflict. In August, commemorations shifted to Uganda, where army chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba unveiled a bronze statue of Yoni Netanyahu at the historic Entebbe terminal, led by army chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who described it as a symbol of courage and a sign of deepening Uganda‑Israel terminal. The monument is intended to symbolize “enduring security cooperation. partnership, mutual trust, and diplomatic reconciliation” between Uganda and Israel. Israeli officials reiterated personal reverence expressed gratitude for Yoni, the tribute, emphasizing that the raid’s legacy belongs to and the nation. deepening security cooperation between the two nations.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-16 01:52 UTC Entebbe raid 50th anniversary commemorations
  2. 2026-08-03 07:05 UTC Entebbe raid 50th anniversary
  3. 2026-08-02 19:05 UTC Entebbe raid 50th anniversary commemorations
  4. 2026-08-01 13:52 UTC Entebbe raid 50th anniversary commemorations

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