Operation Entebbe: Israeli Mission to Rescue Hostages from Hijacked Air France Flight

In July 1976, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin made a decisive move to protect Israeli citizens by ordering Operation Entebbe, a daring rescue mission aimed at freeing Jewish passengers from an Air France flight that had been hijacked by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and German revolutionaries. The flight, which was en route from Tel Aviv to Paris, was diverted to Entebbe, Uganda, where the hostages were held in a terminal at the airport. The Israeli government, under Rabin's leadership, faced immense pressure to act swiftly to ensure the safety of the passengers. The operation was meticulously planned and executed by Israeli commandos, who landed at Entebbe Airport on July 4, 1976. In a remarkable display of skill and bravery, the commandos stormed the terminal, successfully rescuing 102 hostages while neutralizing the hijackers in a matter of minutes. The mission not only showcased Israel's military capabilities but also served as a powerful message of the nation's commitment to safeguarding its citizens against terrorism. Operation Entebbe has since become a symbol of resilience and determination, reinforcing Israel's stance on national security and counter-terrorism efforts.