By 5 Towns Central Staff

ENTEBBE, Uganda (August 2, 2026) — A newly erected bronze monument honoring fallen military commander Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu has been formally unveiled at the historic terminal of Entebbe International Airport, marking a solemn commemoration connected to the legendary 1976 hostage rescue operation.

The dedication ceremony took place at the location where the elite commando was fatally wounded five decades ago while leading the daring raid to liberate hijacked airline passengers. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, led the official unveiling before an audience of military officials, international representatives, and invited guests.

During the event, Ugandan military leadership emphasized that the monument serves as a permanent symbol of selfless service, bravery, and military duty, while also honoring the memory of the innocent captives who lost their lives during the historic crisis. Officials noted that the memorial reflects the continued evolution of diplomatic and security cooperation between the two nations, highlighting decades of shared respect and ongoing partnership built since the events of 1976.

The 1976 operation remains one of the most celebrated counter-terrorism missions in modern history. Commandos flew thousands of miles to rescue over one hundred hostages held by hijackers who had taken control of an international flight. Lieutenant Colonel Netanyahu, who served as the unit commander during the raid and was the older brother of Israel’s current Prime Minister, was the sole military fatality among the rescue force.