Yoni Netanyahu's Story: 49 Years Since An IDF Legend Fell At Entebbe
His life, marked by courage, intellectual depth, and an unwavering commitment to Israel, reflects the story of a man who embodied the spirit of a nation under constant threat. Through his letters, actions, and the memories of those who knew him, Yoni’s journey reveals a complex individual, a poet, a leader, and a patriot whose legacy endures.
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Yonatan "Yoni" Netanyahu, born on March 13, 1946, in New York to Cela and Benzion Netanyahu, emerged as one of Israel’s most revered military figures, culminating in his ultimate sacrifice during the daring Entebbe rescue operation on July 4, 1976.
Early Years and Formative Influences
Yoni’s early life was shaped by his family’s deep Zionist convictions. His father, Benzion, a historian and activist, led efforts in the New Zionist Organization to advocate for a Jewish state, with Cela’s steadfast support. When Yoni was two, the family moved to Jerusalem’s Talpiot neighborhood, where his younger brothers, Benjamin (Bibi) and Ido, were born. Even as a toddler, Yoni displayed remarkable independence, wandering fields alone or appearing unaccompanied at the local synagogue, confidently declaring his Orthodox faith at age three. His charisma shone early; older children gravitated toward him, drawn by his calm, clear speech and natural leadership.
Yoni’s childhood was filled with adventure and community. He organized neighborhood gatherings, screening movies on a makeshift projector, fostering a sense of camaraderie. His time in the Scouts further honed his leadership skills, as he captivated younger members with speeches and stories, his handsome features and charm making him a magnetic figure. However, in the early 1960s, the family’s move to the United States for Benzion’s research disrupted Yoni’s idyllic life in Israel. In Philadelphia, he felt alienated, describing his surroundings as an “empty, meaningless life” and yearning for Israel’s vibrancy. His letters to friends lamented the absence of Israel’s chaotic, spirited school life, revealing a deep homesickness.
Military Service and Rising Leadership
In 1964, at 18, Yoni returned to Israel to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), fulfilling his longing to serve his homeland. Assigned to the paratroops, he endured grueling training, shrugging off 25-mile marches and chronic sleep deprivation with determination. His intellectual curiosity persisted; he read voraciously, balancing the army’s demands with a love for literature and philosophy. By 1966, Yoni graduated as the top cadet from officers’ training school, earning the respect of Chief of Staff Yitzhak Rabin. His letters reveal the weight of command, as he led recruits through 18-hour drills, feeling the “full weight of command resting on my shoulders.”
The 1967 Six-Day War tested Yoni’s mettle. Fighting in the Sinai and later on the Golan Heights, he was wounded in the elbow while aiding a comrade under fire. Crawling back to Israeli lines, bleeding and in pain, he reflected on life’s fragility, writing, “When you see death face to face… life becomes more precious than ever.” Despite his injury, Yoni’s resolve strengthened, and he married his girlfriend, Tutti, soon after, though their marriage later ended due to the strains of his military life.
After a brief stint at Harvard, Yoni returned to Israel, unable to stay away from a nation he saw marching toward another war. Joining the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, he served alongside his brothers, Bibi and Ido, rising to company commander. His leadership style blended toughness with empathy; before grueling marches, he persuaded reluctant soldiers with gentle words, not orders. In 1972, during the Sabena airline hijacking, Yoni’s strategic acumen shone, though he deferred to his brother Ido’s insistence on leading the assault, a decision that left Yoni on the sidelines, smiling wryly when Ido was wounded.
The Yom Kippur War and Beyond
The 1973 Yom Kippur War thrust Yoni into intense combat on the Golan Heights. Leading a smaller force against Syrian commandos, he displayed calm under fire, inspiring his men to overcome a larger enemy. His bravery saved wounded comrades, including Yossi Ben Hanan, who named his daughter Yoni in gratitude. Yet, Yoni’s letters reveal a growing pessimism about Israel’s readiness for prolonged conflict, coupled with a resolve to fight rather than join the “wandering Jewish people.”
By 1975, Yoni commanded Sayeret Matkal, a role that demanded relentless preparation. His personal life, however, was strained; after a miscarriage and separation from Tutti, he found solace with his girlfriend, Bruria. Despite the burdens of command, he cherished simple moments, lemon pie from a Ramat Hasharon bakery, nostalgic memories of family Shabbat dinners, and poetic reflections on love and duty.
The Entebbe Operation and Ultimate Sacrifice
On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139 was hijacked by Arab and German terrorists, landing at Entebbe, Uganda, over 2,000 miles from Israel. The terrorists demanded the release of 53 jailed militants, threatening to execute 83 Israeli hostages. Yoni, now leading Sayeret Matkal, spearheaded planning for a rescue mission. His meticulous preparation, model exercises, detailed briefings, and personal encouragement of his men, instilled confidence. On July 3, he told Chief of Staff Motta Gur, “It can be done,” securing approval for the audacious operation.
Flying low to avoid radar, Yoni’s unit landed at Entebbe on July 4. His briefing emphasized their mission as “envoys of the State of Israel,” responsible for Jews worldwide. Leading the assault, Yoni’s team drove a Mercedes and Land Rovers toward the hostage terminal. When a Ugandan guard raised his rifle, Yoni ordered silenced shots, but the guard’s resistance forced louder gunfire. As his men hesitated under fire, Yoni urged them forward, only to be struck by a Kalashnikov burst in the chest. Mortally wounded, he fell just as his unit killed the terrorists and freed the hostages. Pronounced dead on the evacuating plane, Yoni’s sacrifice ensured the mission’s success.
Legacy and Reflection
Yoni’s death at 30 sent shockwaves through Israel. His brother Ido, informed of the loss, recalled Yoni’s premonition: “I’m not coming back from this one.” The operation, later named “Operation Yonatan” in his honor, freed 102 hostages, cementing Yoni’s legacy as a symbol of courage and selflessness. His letters reveal a man who lived with purpose, writing, “Each and every minute cannot be allowed to pass in vain.” Yoni’s life, marked by intellectual depth, poetic sensitivity, and fierce patriotism, remains a testament to the sacrifices made for Israel’s survival.