Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Israel's Entebbe Operation: A daring rescue mission
In 1976, a plane was hijacked and taken to Uganda.
The Israeli government planned a secret mission to save the hostages.
They flew a long way, tricked the Ugandan soldiers, and rescued most of the people on the plane.
Unfortunately, some people died during the rescue.
Air France Flight 139 hijacked by German and Palestinian militants in 1976
Hostages held at Entebbe Airport, Uganda, for a week
Israeli commandos launched a surprise assault to rescue hostages
Mission successfully rescued 102 hostages, but resulted in casualties
Operation led by Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency
- Who
- German and Palestinian militants, Israeli commandos
- What
- Rescue mission to save hostages from a hijacked plane
- When
- July 3-4, 1976
- Where
- Entebbe Airport, Uganda
- Why
- To rescue hostages held by terrorists
Negotiation advocates
Military action advocates
Initial response
Negotiation advocates
Negotiate with hijackers
Military action advocates
Launch military operation
- Hijackers
- German and Palestinian militants
- Hostages rescued
- 102
- Casualties
- 4 hostages, 1 Israeli commando (Yonatan Netanyahu)
- Duration of operation
- 53 minutes
- Distance traveled by Israeli commandos
- 4,000 kilometres