1 july 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has said that the historic Entebbe rescue mission remains one of the world’s strongest examples of how decisive action can defeat terrorism, as Israel prepares to mark 50 years since the daring military operation that rescued hostages from Uganda.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary commemorations, Azar described Operation Entebbe as a defining moment in Israel’s history and a global lesson in counterterrorism. “Entebbe gave a lesson that defeating terrorism is possible,” he said, emphasizing that governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens against terrorist threats while standing firm against hostage-taking and violent extremism.
Operation Entebbe, also known as Operation Thunderbolt, was carried out in July 1976 after an Air France flight travelling from Tel Aviv to Paris was hijacked by Palestinian and German militants. The aircraft was diverted to Entebbe Airport in Uganda, where the hijackers held more than 100 Israeli and Jewish passengers hostage with the support of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin’s regime.
Faced with a rapidly deteriorating hostage crisis, Israel launched a bold long-range military rescue mission. Elite commandos flew thousands of kilometres to Uganda under the cover of darkness, stormed the airport terminal, eliminated the hijackers, and rescued nearly all the hostages in an operation that lasted less than two hours.
The mission became one of the most celebrated hostage rescue operations in modern military history. While the operation successfully freed the hostages, Israeli commander Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu, the elder brother of current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was killed during the assault. Three hostages also lost their lives during the operation, while one hostage who had earlier been taken to a hospital in Kampala was later murdered.
Azar said the anniversary serves not only as a remembrance of those who lost their lives but also as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism. According to him, terrorism continues to threaten societies across the world, making it essential for democratic nations to work together through intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and coordinated action.
The ambassador noted that the Entebbe operation demonstrated the importance of political resolve, precise intelligence, and highly trained security forces. He argued that while every hostage situation presents unique challenges, governments must remain committed to protecting innocent civilians from terrorist violence.
India and Israel have steadily expanded their security partnership over the past two decades, particularly in areas such as intelligence sharing, border security, cyber defence, counterterrorism, and defence technology. Both countries have repeatedly condemned terrorism in all its forms and have strengthened bilateral cooperation following several major terrorist incidents affecting each nation.
Azar praised the close strategic relationship between India and Israel, saying both democracies understand the dangers posed by extremist violence. He highlighted that the shared commitment to fighting terrorism has become a cornerstone of bilateral ties and continues to guide cooperation between the two governments.
The ambassador also stressed that counterterrorism efforts must remain consistent and determined. He said that giving in to terrorist demands often encourages future attacks, whereas effective law enforcement, international collaboration, and strong political leadership can reduce the threat posed by extremist groups.
Military historians continue to study Operation Entebbe as an example of meticulous planning and operational excellence. The rescue mission required accurate intelligence, careful coordination, long-range logistics, and split-second execution. Many countries have since incorporated lessons from the operation into their own special forces training and hostage rescue doctrines.
Over the years, Operation Entebbe has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and films that examine its planning, execution, and broader geopolitical impact. Security experts frequently cite the mission as one of the most successful examples of a long-distance special operations raid aimed at rescuing civilians.
As Israel marks five decades since the operation, commemorative events are expected to honour the bravery of the commandos, the resilience of the rescued hostages, and the families of those who lost their lives. Officials say the anniversary is also intended to highlight the continued global challenge posed by terrorism and the importance of international solidarity against extremist violence.
Azar concluded by saying that the legacy of Entebbe extends beyond military history. According to him, it symbolizes courage, determination, and the principle that democratic nations should never abandon innocent civilians in the face of terrorism. He expressed hope that future generations would continue to draw lessons from the operation while strengthening global efforts to prevent terrorist attacks and protect innocent lives.