Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport
Operation Thunderbolt by Saul David tells the true story of the Entebbe Raid. In June 1976, terrorists hijacked Air France Flight 139. The plane carried over 250 passengers. The hijackers, two Palestinians and two Germans, diverted the plane to Entebbe, Uganda. Idi Amin, Uganda’s dictator, supported the terrorists. They demanded the release of prisoners and separated Jewish hostages. Fear and helplessness spread as the world watched.
Israel chose to act. They planned a rescue mission called Operation Thunderbolt. On July 4, 1976, Israeli commandos flew over 2,500 miles to Entebbe Airport. Their goal was to free the hostages. The mission was risky, with no room for mistakes. Yoni Netanyahu, the leader, led the assault. The Israeli commandos stormed the airport, killed the terrorists, and saved the hostages. Yoni Netanyahu was the only commando who died.
Saul David captures the operation’s tension and sacrifice. The book covers the planning, execution, and aftermath. It explains the bold decisions made under pressure. David shows the courage of the hostages, soldiers, and leaders. Operation Thunderbolt tells a story of bravery, strategy, and loss. It is clear, detailed, and gripping, appealing to history and military enthusiasts alike.
Book Details: Operation Thunderbolt (Entebbe Raid)
Operation Thunderbolt tells a story of fear and courage. Flight 139 was hijacked. Passengers were taken to Uganda. The terrorists wanted prisoners released. Jewish passengers were separated. They waited. Israel decided to rescue them. Commandos had one night, one chance. Failure meant death. Yoni Netanyahu led the raid. They succeeded, but Yoni was killed. Saul David tells the story clearly. It makes you feel the fear and hope of those involved. It’s not just history. It’s a lesson in bravery and sacrifice.
About the Author
Saul David is a British historian, author, and broadcaster. He specializes in military history. His books include Operation Thunderbolt, The Force, and Churchill’s Sacrifice of the Highland Division. Saul David focuses on bringing real stories to life through facts and storytelling. He teaches military history at the University of Buckingham. He also works as a presenter and expert on television and radio programs.
Book Summary: Operation Thunderbolt (Entebbe Raid)
Saul David’s Operation Thunderbolt describes the 1976 Entebbe Raid. The book starts with the hijacking of Air France Flight 139 on June 27, 1976. Two Palestinian and two German terrorists took control of the plane. They forced the crew to fly to Entebbe, Uganda. Dictator Idi Amin welcomed them and offered support. The terrorists demanded the release of prisoners and separated Jewish hostages. It was an eerie reminder of World War II.
Israel faced two choices: negotiate or fight. They chose action. Over several days, the Israeli military designed a risky plan. It involved flying over 2,500 miles into hostile territory to rescue the hostages. On July 4, 1976, Israeli special forces launched the raid. Yoni Netanyahu led the team. They stormed the terminal, killed the terrorists, and freed the hostages. The entire operation lasted under an hour. Sadly, Yoni was the only Israeli commando killed.
David explains the hijacking, the hostages’ fear, and the military planning. He highlights the precision and bravery of the Israeli forces. This was one of the most daring special operations in history. David’s storytelling is simple and clear, yet the impact is powerful. The book shows leadership, sacrifice, and what can happen under pressure.
Book Review: Operation Thunderbolt (Entebbe Raid)
Some stories don’t need embellishment. The Entebbe Raid is one of them. Saul David’s Operation Thunderbolt tells this real-life rescue mission in plain, powerful words. There’s no fluff. He focuses on facts, people, and events. That makes the story stronger.
It starts with the hijacking. Air France Flight 139 was taken over by terrorists. Two Palestinians. Two Germans. They forced the plane to land in Uganda. Idi Amin, a dictator who loved chaos, welcomed them. He pretended to help but sided with the terrorists. The passengers—innocent people—were stuck. Jewish passengers were separated. That moment stays with you. It feels cruel. Like history repeating itself.
Israel had no time to waste. They knew negotiating meant weakness. Waiting meant death. The Israeli military created a plan. It was bold. Fly thousands of miles, land at Entebbe, and rescue the hostages. On paper, it sounded impossible. Yoni Netanyahu led the team. He knew the risks. His men knew the risks. But they went anyway.
David’s writing makes you feel the tension. The planning was complex, but he breaks it down simply. The soldiers trained hard, knowing one mistake would cost lives. When they stormed the terminal, it was over in minutes. Hostages were saved. Terrorists were killed. Yoni Netanyahu died. That moment hits hardest.
The book is about more than military tactics. It’s about decisions under pressure. It’s about courage and sacrifice. The Israeli special forces proved what training and bravery could achieve. But the cost—losing Yoni Netanyahu—reminds you that no victory comes without loss.
David writes without dramatics. His words are short and clear. He lets the story do the work. The fear of the passengers. The courage of the soldiers. The silence before the mission. You don’t need flowery language to feel it. It’s real.
For military history readers, this book is essential. It explains the Entebbe Raid with detail and precision. It shows military strategy, special operations, and leadership under pressure. If you care about counterterrorism, this book delivers. It’s also a look at Uganda under Idi Amin and the dark realities of global terrorism.
But this isn’t just for military enthusiasts. It’s for anyone who loves stories about courage. The passengers could be any of us. The soldiers could be people we know. They risked everything for strangers. That’s what stays with you.
By the end, you feel both inspired and sad. The mission succeeded. Lives were saved. But Yoni Netanyahu’s death lingers. It’s a reminder of sacrifice.
Saul David tells this story the way it should be told. Simple. Honest. Direct. He doesn’t over-explain. He doesn’t waste words. And that makes the story unforgettable. Operation Thunderbolt is one of the best books about the Entebbe Raid. It’s a tribute to bravery, sacrifice, and human determination.
Here are five related books that explore themes of military operations, hostage rescues, and acts of bravery similar to Operation Thunderbolt:
- “Entebbe” by Iddo Netanyahu
Written by the younger brother of Yonatan Netanyahu (the operation’s commander who was killed in action), this book gives a personal and detailed account of the Entebbe raid. - “Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War” by Mark Bowden
This book chronicles the 1993 U.S. military operation in Mogadishu, Somalia. It explores the events surrounding the downing of a Black Hawk helicopter and the rescue operation that followed, providing a detailed account of combat and military strategy. - “Six Days of War: June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle East” by Michael B. Oren
A detailed look at the Six-Day War, which shaped Israel’s modern military and political landscape. It provides context for the strength and strategy of the Israeli military leading up to the Entebbe mission. - “Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel’s Targeted Assassinations” by Ronen Bergman
This book dives into the history of Israel’s covert operations and assassinations. It highlights the precision, planning, and high-stakes decision-making behind Israel’s intelligence and military missions. - “Delta Force: The Army’s Elite Counterterrorist Unit” by Charlie A. Beckwith
Written by the founder of Delta Force, this book offers an inside look into the creation of the U.S. Army’s elite counterterrorism unit and its high-risk missions.
My Goodreads Review:
Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History by Saul DavidMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The book is a gripping account of the audacious 1976 hostage rescue mission. Skillfully capturing the geopolitical complexities and high-stakes drama, the author’s narrative unfolds the events leading to the Entebbe raid. The title encapsulates the intensity of the operation, and the meticulous research and compelling storytelling bring to life the heroes and strategic brilliance behind this historic event. For those fascinated by real-life heroism and counterterrorism, “Operation Thunderbolt” is an essential and concise exploration of one of the most daring hostage rescues in modern history, offering profound insights into the commitment to safeguarding innocent lives.
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