The Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, officially unveiled a statue of the brother of Israel’s Prime Minister who died in Uganda 50 years ago during the historic operation to rescue more than 100 hostages in Entebbe. He said the statue will continue to serve as an example for others in the pursuit of peace and justice.
Honouring Yonatan Netanyahu’s Bravery
The statue honours Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu, the elder brother of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was killed in Uganda. General Muhoozi stated that the monument is a symbol of respect for Yonatan Netanyahu’s bravery.
Yonatan Netanyahu was the only Israeli soldier killed in the raid, which saved over 100 hostages after two Palestinians and two Germans hijacked an Air France plane from Tel Aviv and diverted it to Uganda’s international airport.
Muhoozi Reflects on the Historic Entebbe Operation
Gen. Kainerugaba described the operation in which Netanyahu died as “one of the most significant events in recent history,” adding that it contributed to a remarkable journey in the relationship between Israel and Uganda.
The statue, depicting Yonatan Netanyahu holding a machine gun, stands outside the airport where the operation took place.
Hostages and Casualties During the Raid
During the raid, three hostages Jean-Jacques Mimouni, Pasco Cohen, and Ida Borochovitch—were also killed, while Dora Bloch later died in a Kampala hospital.
A Legacy of Peace and Human Dignity
Speaking about Yonatan Netanyahu, General Muhoozi said: “Your actions will continue to serve as an example for future generations in the struggle for peace, justice, and human dignity.”
At the time of the operation, three of the hijackers and their Ugandan collaborators were killed, along with about 45 Ugandan soldiers during the firefight with Israeli forces.
