A monument honoring Yonatan Netanyahu, an Israeli commander who died during a military operation at Entebbe International Airport in 1976, has been unveiled in Uganda. Yonatan Netanyahu was the brother of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The monument, which features a statue of Yonatan Netanyahu holding an infantry rifle, was placed in front of the old terminal building of Entebbe International Airport. The unveiling was performed by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commander of the Uganda People's Defence Forces and son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
This monument represents courage, the determination to protect innocent lives, and commitment to duty.
Kainerugaba stated that the monument was commissioned to honor Yonatan Netanyahu's courage and determination to protect innocent people. The ceremony was attended by Israeli businessman Barak Orland, according to reports.
The 1976 Entebbe operation occurred after an Air France plane was hijacked by Palestinian and German militants, prompting Israeli commandos to rescue hostages at the airport. The raid was reportedly conducted without permission from the Ugandan government and resulted in the deaths of dozens of Ugandan soldiers, as well as three hostages. Yonatan Netanyahu was reported to be the only Israeli commando killed.
The year of the Entebbe operation, for which the monument now stands.
The Organization of African Unity, predecessor to the African Union, condemned the operation as a violation of Uganda's sovereignty. Following the raid, it is reported that Ugandan President Idi Amin severed diplomatic relations with Israel and supported the Palestinian cause.
The Entebbe operation is considered by many to be one of the most significant military successes in Israel's history. The monument's establishment is interpreted as a symbol of strengthening political and military relations between Kampala and Tel Aviv.
