Veterans of Israel’s most famous secret operation, the Entebbe raid, boycotted its commemoration ceremony due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies. The operation, which took place in 1976, was a daring rescue mission that freed 102 hostages held by Palestinian and German hijackers.

Boycott Reasons

The veterans, including the deputy commander of the operation, Matan Vilnai, boycotted the ceremony in protest of Netanyahu’s handling of the Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and his enabling of mass draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men. They also accused Netanyahu of abandoning the hostages and using the commemoration for political gain.

Netanyahu, who is the brother of the operation’s commander, Yonatan Netanyahu, attended the ceremony and connected the Entebbe raid to Israel’s campaign against Iran. However, his presence was met with criticism from the boycotting veterans, who felt that he was using the occasion to further his own political agenda.

Legacy of the Entebbe Raid

The Entebbe raid is considered one of the most significant moments in Israel’s history, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The operation was a symbol of Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens and a demonstration of the country’s military prowess. However, the boycott by the veterans highlights the deep divisions within Israeli society and the controversy surrounding Netanyahu’s policies.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.