Story perspectives

Israeli Commandos Rescue 102 Hostages, Lose Yonatan Netanyahu

7/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israeli forces rescued 102 hostages in a 3–4 July 1976 raid at Entebbe Airport, flying four C-130 Hercules.
A black Mercedes and Land Rovers mimicked Idi Amin’s motorcade to conceal the commandos.
Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu led 100 Sayeret Matkal commandos who stormed the terminal and killed the hijackers, while three hostages and Netanyahu himself died.
Israeli troops destroyed eleven Ugandan MiG fighters, enabling the Hercules to depart within ninety minutes.

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Story summary

Israeli forces rescued 102 hostages in a 3–4 July 1976 raid at Entebbe Airport, flying four C-130 Hercules.
A black Mercedes and Land Rovers mimicked Idi Amin’s motorcade to conceal the commandos.
Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu led 100 Sayeret Matkal commandos who stormed the terminal and killed the hijackers, while three hostages and Netanyahu himself died.
Israeli troops destroyed eleven Ugandan MiG fighters, enabling the Hercules to depart within ninety minutes.