49 years since Entebbe: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Heroic Rescue

Nearly five decades after the Entebbe Raid, the operation continues to resonate as one of the boldest rescue missions in military history, not only for its cinematic execution but for the layers of diplomacy, deception, sacrifice, and split-second decisions that defined it. Behind the headlines of heroism lie the untold complexities: the intelligence coups, the ethical dilemmas, the international fallout, and the haunting loss of Yoni Netanyahu.

Here are 10 lesser-known facts about the Entebbe Raid, also known as Operation Thunderbolt or Operation Entebbe, which took place on July 3–4, 1976.

1. Mossad’s Critical Intelligence Role: The Israeli intelligence agency Mossad gathered vital information by debriefing released hostages, including Patricia Martell, who faked a miscarriage to be released in Benghazi. Her detailed account of the hijackers’ numbers and weapons was crucial for planning the raid.

2. Kenya’s Secret Support: Israel relied on Kenya’s cooperation to refuel its C-130 Hercules planes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Kenyan Minister of Agriculture Bruce MacKenzie persuaded President Jomo Kenyatta to assist, despite the risk of retaliation from Uganda’s Idi Amin.

3. Imitation of Idi Amin’s Motorcade: To approach the terminal undetected, the Israeli commandos used a black Mercedes limousine and Land Rovers, mimicking Idi Amin’s typical motorcade, complete with Ugandan flags. This deception helped them get close to the terminal before engaging.

4. Disputed Accounts of Yoni Netanyahu’s Death: There is debate among raid participants about why Yonatan Netanyahu, the operation’s commander, was killed. Some claim his decision to fire at Ugandan sentries compromised the element of surprise, while others argue his subordinate Muki Betser’s pause during the sprint to the terminal caused confusion.

5. Hijackers’ Mixed Motives: The hijackers included two Palestinians from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – External Operations (PFLP-EO) and two Germans, Wilfried Böse and Brigitte Kuhlmann, from the Revolutionary Cells. Böse reportedly hesitated during the raid, urging hostages to hide, which some interpret as a moment of doubt.

6. Idi Amin’s Personal Involvement: Ugandan dictator Idi Amin visited the hostages almost daily, presenting himself as a mediator while secretly supporting the hijackers. His regime provided reinforcements and supplies, complicating the rescue mission.

7. Tragic Mistake During the Raid: One hostage, Jean-Jacques Maimoni, a 19-year-old French immigrant to Israel, was killed by Israeli commandos when he stood up during the assault, mistakenly thought to be a hijacker. This highlighted the chaos of the operation.

8. Uganda’s Retaliation Against Kenya: After the raid, Idi Amin ordered the killing of approximately 245 Kenyans in Uganda, including Entebbe airport staff, in retaliation for Kenya’s support of Israel. This led to around 3,000 Kenyans fleeing Uganda as refugees.

9. Operation’s Timing with U.S. Bicentennial: The raid occurred on July 4, 1976, coinciding with the United States’ 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This timing was noted by some U.S. observers as symbolically significant, though it initially received limited media coverage due to the bicentennial celebrations.

10. Controversy Over International Law: The United Nations Security Council debated the raid on July 9, 1976, with Uganda accusing Israel of violating its sovereignty. While Western nations like the U.S., UK, and West Germany praised the operation as “self-defense,” others, including the UN Secretary-General, criticized it as an “act of aggression.”

These lesser-known truths remind us that Entebbe was not just a triumph of Israeli might, but a moment when the fate of over 100 hostages hinged on the thinnest margins of strategy, courage, and miracles.