Israel Releases Entebbe Raid Documents Ahead of 50th Anniversary
June 26, 2026
Poinews.com – On the eve of its 50th anniversary, Israel has unveiled a collection of previously confidential records detailing the planning and execution of the 1976 Entebbe raid. These documents, made public by the Israel State Archives on Friday, offer fresh insights into the strategic choices that led to the iconic hostage rescue operation. The timing of the release coincides with the nation’s ongoing challenges in addressing the recent hostage crisis triggered by Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
The Entebbe raid was a pivotal moment in modern military history, showcasing Israel’s ability to swiftly respond to a hostage situation. The operation began when Palestinian and West German militants seized an Air France jet en route from Tel Aviv to Athens, redirecting it to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. The aircraft carried 106 passengers, including Israelis and Germans, who were held hostage after the hijackers demanded the release of prisoners detained in multiple countries.
According to newly disclosed information, Israeli officials initially hesitated to engage in talks with the hostage-takers. The crisis team, led by then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, first dismissed negotiations as a viable option. However, as the six-day standoff progressed and pressure from the hostages’ families intensified, the decision-makers shifted their stance. A memo from the crisis team acknowledged the need for a decisive effort, authorising discussions under specific terms.
Simultaneously, Israel prepared for a covert military operation. The files reveal that the country supported French-led mediation with Ugandan President Idi Amin while secretly orchestrating the rescue mission. Mock-ups of the airport were created, and transport planes were stationed in Kenya to facilitate the operation. The military action was ultimately approved when talks seemed to stall, and confidence in the plan grew.
The raid concluded with a rapid assault on the airport. Israeli commandos eliminated all the hijackers and Ugandan soldiers involved, rescuing nearly all the hostages. Yonatan Netanyahu, the sole Israeli casualty, was killed during the operation. He was the brother of future Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The event marked a turning point for Israel, contrasting sharply with the tragic outcome of the 1972 Munich Olympics, where nine Israeli athletes were slain during a German-led operation.
“Let us not deceive ourselves,” Rabin wrote in one of the released memos. “It was an extraordinary operation and achievement. However, the problem is not over. Terrorism continues to operate. What other problems terrorism will pose to us and what lessons we must learn from this matter, it is too early to say. We have finished one battle, but the war continues.”
The operation faced criticism from Uganda and the Organisation of African Unity, which viewed it as an infringement on Ugandan sovereignty. Despite this, the Entebbe raid is celebrated as a testament to Israel’s rapid response capabilities and its role in reshaping the narrative of hostage diplomacy.
