Declassified records reveal how Israel launched its 'boldest operation ever'

The declassification of long-buried Israeli intelligence files has shed new light on one of the most daring military operations in modern history—the 1976 Entebbe raid. Known as Operation Thunderbolt, this mission saw Israeli commandos storm a hijacked plane in Uganda and rescue over 100 hostages, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s military legacy. The newly released documents, obtained by Haaretz and shared with international media outlets such as i24NEWS, provide an unprecedented level of detail about the planning, execution, and aftermath of the operation.

According to the declassified records, the operation began in July 1976 when four planes were hijacked en route to Cairo by Palestinian militants. Among them was an Air France jet carrying 238 passengers and crew, which was diverted to Entebbe Airport near Kampala, Uganda. The hijackers demanded the release of prisoners held in Israeli jails and threatened to kill all hostages unless their demands were met. In response, the Israeli government authorized a covert operation to extract the hostages under extreme conditions.

The planning phase of the operation took place in secret, involving top-level military officials, intelligence agencies, and political leaders. The documents reveal that the decision to launch the operation was made within days of the hijacking, despite significant risks. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Defense Minister Moshe Dayan were among the key figures who supported the plan, recognizing the need to demonstrate Israel's capability to act decisively against terrorism.

The operation itself was executed with remarkable precision. A team of elite Sayeret Matkal commandos, trained for high-risk missions, infiltrated Uganda under the cover of darkness. They used a combination of deception, including fake passports and forged documents, to bypass Ugandan authorities. Upon arrival at Entebbe, the commandos quickly secured the airport and engaged the hijackers in a fierce firefight. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, the Israelis managed to free all the hostages and eliminate the threat posed by the hijackers.

The operation had far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate success. It marked a turning point in Israel’s approach to counterterrorism, reinforcing the belief that preemptive action could prevent future attacks. However, it also sparked intense debate within the Israeli public and international community. Some praised the operation as a bold and necessary response to terrorism, while others questioned the ethical implications of using lethal force against civilians.

The declassified files also highlight the challenges faced during the operation. The commandos encountered unexpected resistance, and the timing of the assault was nearly perfect due to favorable weather conditions. Additionally, the involvement of Ugandan security forces added another layer of complexity, as they initially refused to cooperate with the Israeli request to secure the area.

In the years following the operation, the Entebbe raid became a symbol of Israeli resilience and military prowess. It inspired numerous films, books, and documentaries, cementing its place in global popular culture. The recent declassification of these records has reignited interest in the operation, offering historians and researchers a more complete understanding of the strategic and tactical decisions made during this critical period.

Looking ahead, the release of these documents is expected to fuel further academic study and public discourse on the ethics and effectiveness of state-sponsored counterterrorism efforts. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of modern conflict, the lessons learned from the Entebbe operation remain relevant and thought-provoking.