My version: Paperback
Genre: Non Fiction, Terrorism, Israel, Uganda,
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
First published: 2016
ISBN: 978-1-444-76254-9
Pages: 375
Bought
From the cover:
Midnight, 3rd July 1976. Israeli Special Forces land in darkness on a runway in Entebbe Airport in Idi Amin’s Uganda. They have just three minutes to evade a cordon of elite Ugandan paratroopers, storm the airport terminal and free more than a hundred Israeli, French and US hostages. Operation Thunderbolt had begun.
Using classified document from archives in four countries and interviews with key participants, including Israeli soldiers and politicians, hostages, a member of the Kenyan government and a former terrorist, many of whom have never been interviewed before, Saul David gives a thrilling minute by minute account of one of history’s most daring rescue missions.
No matter what your thoughts on the current situation in Israel and Palestine, there is no doubting Operation Thunderbolt is a riveting account of one of the most daring military operations in history. The book delves into the dramatic events of the 1976 hijacking of an Air France flight to Entebbe, Uganda, by Palestinian and German terrorists. With meticulous research and a gripping narrative style, David brings to life the tense standoff between the hijackers and the Israeli hostages.
The author weaves together the perspectives of the hostages, the hijackers, and the Israeli military planners, creating a multi-faceted portrait of the crisis. The book highlights the bravery of the hostages, the cunning of the terrorists, and the meticulous planning and execution of the Israeli rescue mission. Back when Israel were the good guys. Kind of. Well, more than they are these days. David’s vivid descriptions of the Entebbe airport and the surrounding Ugandan landscape add to the suspense and tension of the narrative.
One of the strengths of Operation Thunderbolt is its focus on the human element. David explores the psychological impact of the hijacking on the hostages and the intense pressure faced by the Israeli decision-makers. The book also delves into the complex geopolitical context of the time, shedding light on the Cold War tensions and the role of the Soviet Union in supporting Idi Amin’s regime.
Operation Thunderbolt is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, international relations, or the human spirit. David’s masterful storytelling and meticulous research make this book a thrilling and informative read. It is a testament to the courage and ingenuity of the Israeli commandos who risked their lives to save the hostages and a reminder of the enduring power of human resilience in the face of adversity.
I guess the daring rescue mission Israel needs to embark on now, is to save their reputation. That’s gonna take some doing.
You can buy Operation Thunderbolt by Saul David from Amazon
I’ve linked to the Amazon.co.uk site as they have the same cover version available as I bought and is pictured above.
Couldn't I Just Tell You 