Why did veterans of Israel’s most famous secret operation boycott its commemoration?
Entebbe Veterans Boycott Netanyahu’s Anniversary Event
Political Tensions Mar Half-Century Celebration of Famous Rescue Mission
Why did veterans of Israel s most – Why did veterans of Israel’s most celebrated military operation choose to boycott the official commemoration? For Matan Vilnai, the anniversary of Israel’s renowned nighttime raid was supposed to bring joy and pride. However, the retired general and deputy commander of the legendary Entebbe mission decided to stay home from the ceremony. He was far from alone in his choice, as numerous soldiers who participated in that daring rescue also declined to attend the state-sponsored gathering. Vilnai questioned the purpose of the festivities given the current turmoil facing the nation. He remarked to CNN, “What exactly is there to celebrate – an operation from 50 years ago? I haven’t celebrated since October 7.” He pointed out the stark contrast between the celebratory mood and the reality on the ground, adding, “We have thousands of soldiers fighting right now, thousands of reservists serving – and they’re celebrating?”
Back in 1976, specifically on July 4, elite Israeli soldiers traveled roughly 2,500 miles over unfriendly territory before touching down at night in Uganda’s Entebbe airport. Within sixty minutes, they successfully liberated 102 captives who had been seized by a group of Palestinian and German hijackers. The terrorists had diverted the aircraft from its original route between Tel Aviv and Paris, holding the passengers hostage while demanding the freedom of dozens of convicted criminals. The daring assault resulted in four fatalities, including three hostages and the thirty-year-old leader Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, who transformed into a beloved national symbol. Following the success of the mission, known originally as Operation Thunderbolt, the government renamed it Operation Yonatan to honor the fallen commander.
A Legacy Complicated by Modern Politics
The Entebbe mission stands as a pivotal chapter in Israel’s history, representing the nation’s commitment to retrieve its citizens regardless of the cost. It also serves as the origin story for Benjamin Netanyahu, the younger brother of Yoni. Benjamin entered the political arena in the wake of his sibling’s death and has since become the longest-serving prime minister in the country’s history. Yet, fifty years on, the legacy of the raid is complicated by deep-seated internal conflicts. During the state-sponsored event hosted by President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, dozens of veterans—including former commandos and even some of the rescued hostages—boycotted the gathering. Their absence was a direct protest against the presence of Prime Minister Netanyahu as the guest of honor.
At the ceremony, Netanyahu sought to bridge the past and present, linking the 1976 rescue to the ongoing conflict with Iran. He stated, “There isn’t a day I don’t think about Yoni, there isn’t a day that I don’t consult with Yoni.” He argued that the original mission proved that seemingly impossible challenges could be overcome through strength. “The 1976 operation turned the impossible into possible,” he explained, emphasizing that terrorism must be met with decisive action. “This is what we are doing. We are systematically crushing the Iranian axis of evil, who tried to advance a plan to destroy Israel.” Despite these words, many of the men who once fought alongside his brother were absent, unwilling to lend their presence to his administration.
The veterans articulated their grievances in an open letter, declaring, “We refuse to serve as a window dressing.” They accused the prime minister of neglecting the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. According to the letter, while the nation celebrated a historic victory from decades past, families of current hostages waited anxiously for news. The letter emphasized that true celebration would come only when all hostages returned home safely. Several veterans who attended the ceremony later left early, unable to reconcile their pride in the original mission with their disappointment in current leadership.
Not all veterans shared the same perspective. Some attended the ceremony willingly, choosing to honor the legacy of Entebbe regardless of political differences. Among them was former hostage Yair Naveh, who spoke about the importance of unity during difficult times. He noted that while disagreements exist, the spirit of Entebbe should transcend partisan politics. The ceremony featured military honors, speeches from government officials, and a moment of silence for those who fell during the original mission. Veterans who attended expressed hope that the event would inspire future generations to remember the sacrifices made in 1976.
As the commemoration concluded, the divided response from veterans highlighted the complex relationship between Israel’s military past and political present. The question of why did veterans of Israel boycott the Entebbe celebration remains multifaceted, rooted in both personal principles and broader national concerns. Whether through absence or attendance, each veteran’s choice reflected their own understanding of what Entebbe truly represents. Fifty years after the mission, the legacy continues to evolve, shaped by both memory and the challenges of the present day.