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90 Minutes at Entebbe: The Full Inside Story of the Spectacular Israeli Counterterrorism Strike and the Daring Rescue of 103 Hostages
The incredible story of an Israeli mission that rescued 103 hostages from a hijacked jetliner.
On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139 was hijacked by terrorists and flown to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. In the following agonizing days, Israeli passengers were singled out and held hostage. A week later on July 4, one hundred Israeli commandos raced 2,500 miles from Israel to Entebbe, landed in the middle of the night, and in a heart-stopping mission that lasted ninety minutes, killed all guerillas and freed 103 hostages.
In captivating detail, Stevenson provides a fast-paced hour-by-hour narration from the hijacking to the final ninety-minute mission. In addition to discussing the incredible rescue itself, Stevenson also covers the political backdrop behind the hijacking, especially Ugandan President Idi Amin’s support for the hijackers, which marked one of the first times a leader of a nation had backed terrorist activities. An illustration of one nation’s undying spirit, heroism, and commitment to its people in the face of threat, Operation Thunderbolt has become a legendary antiterrorist tale.
Although first written in 1976 (and published within weeks of the event), Stevenson’s account presents this act of terrorism in a way that is still relevant in our modern-day political climate. A factual account of what could easily be read as sensational fiction, 90 Minutes at Entebbe will inspire, encourage, and instill hope in all readers.
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
On June 27, 1976, Air France Flight 139 was hijacked by terrorists and flown to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. In the following agonizing days, Israeli passengers were singled out and held hostage. A week later on July 4, one hundred Israeli commandos raced 2,500 miles from Israel to Entebbe, landed in the middle of the night, and in a heart-stopping mission that lasted ninety minutes, killed all guerillas and freed 103 hostages.
In captivating detail, Stevenson provides a fast-paced hour-by-hour narration from the hijacking to the final ninety-minute mission. In addition to discussing the incredible rescue itself, Stevenson also covers the political backdrop behind the hijacking, especially Ugandan President Idi Amin’s support for the hijackers, which marked one of the first times a leader of a nation had backed terrorist activities. An illustration of one nation’s undying spirit, heroism, and commitment to its people in the face of threat, Operation Thunderbolt has become a legendary antiterrorist tale.
Although first written in 1976 (and published within weeks of the event), Stevenson’s account presents this act of terrorism in a way that is still relevant in our modern-day political climate. A factual account of what could easily be read as sensational fiction, 90 Minutes at Entebbe will inspire, encourage, and instill hope in all readers.
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1976
223 people are currently reading
1050 people want to read
About the author
William Stevenson
195 books71 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
William Stevenson was a British-born Canadian author and journalist. His 1976 book "A Man Called Intrepid" was about William Stephenson (no relation) and was a best-seller. It was made into a 1979 mini-series starring David Niven and Stevenson followed it up with a 1983 book titled "Intrepid's Last Case."
Stevenson set a record with another 1976 book, "90 Minutes at Entebbe." The book was about Operation Entebbe, an operation where Israeli commandos secretly landed at night at Entebbe Airport in Uganda and succeeded in rescuing the passengers of an airliner hi-jacked by Palestinian militants, while incurring very few casualties. The remarkable record in that pre-internet age is that Stevenson's "instant book" was written, edited, printed and available for sale within weeks of the event it described.
William Stevenson was a British-born Canadian author and journalist. His 1976 book "A Man Called Intrepid" was about William Stephenson (no relation) and was a best-seller. It was made into a 1979 mini-series starring David Niven and Stevenson followed it up with a 1983 book titled "Intrepid's Last Case."
Stevenson set a record with another 1976 book, "90 Minutes at Entebbe." The book was about Operation Entebbe, an operation where Israeli commandos secretly landed at night at Entebbe Airport in Uganda and succeeded in rescuing the passengers of an airliner hi-jacked by Palestinian militants, while incurring very few casualties. The remarkable record in that pre-internet age is that Stevenson's "instant book" was written, edited, printed and available for sale within weeks of the event it described.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 6, 2021
This book is detailed on the strategy and operations behind the one of the most heroic rescue operations in history- and as such is an exciting read on espionage and counter-terrorism. But it also helps to illustrate that what Operation Thunderbolt was all about is that Israel does have the most powerful reasons for it's existence. Without Israel the hostages at Entebbe would have died or become hostages in a terror war aimed at destroying all that is good on the face of the earth. The hostages were Jews-incarcerated by the German and Arab terrorists only because they were Jews.
There was certainly something obscene 31 years after the Holocaust about Germans shouting orders at Jewish hostages and waving guns over their heads, while engaging in 'selektzia' - selection of the prisoners of terror, with all those with Israeli names ordered into a different section of the building.
The Arab terrorists of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine were were led by a German man and woman from the Marxist German terrorist group the Baader Meinhof Gang. Their behaviour reminded at least one hostage, himself bearing tattooed numbers from a concentration camp of Nazis.
The terrorists who hijacked the Air France Flight 139 were executing a meticulously conceived plan by an international terrorist network controlled by the Soviet Union and directed by terrorist regimes such as that of Libyan mass murderer Muammar Gaddafi. The terrorist operation was endorsed by the then President of Uganda, Idi Amin Dada, who hosted the terrorists and their operation and gave it every assistance. After the massacre of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Idi Amin had sent a message to the United Nations expressing his joy and appreciation of the murders, adding praise for Hitler's extermination of six million Jews.
The author points out a warning that is more pertinent today than ever. "If terrorism succeeds against Israel, then it is only a matter of time before every democracy faces the same threat on a global scale". As American statesman Daniel Moynihan said at the time of Operation Thunderbolt "Israel has become the metaphor for democracy as much as the utterly as much as the utterly unprincipled attacks by terrorists on Israeli civilians has become a metaphor for the general assault on democracy and decency which is the sustaining ethos of totalitarianism in our time".
Words which are even more true today than at the time they were spoken. Following the rescue operation at Entebbe, Israel was excoriated by the Communist and Arab bloc and Uganda for what was labelled bizarrely as an 'attack on the Third World", completely ignoring the fact that Amin's Uganda had been the aggressor by facilitating the criminal piracy and hostage-taking.
And yet the world made a lot more sense in 1976. most of the free world knew Israel was quite justified in rescuing her own innocent civilians
If such an operation had taken place today, the anti-Israel vultures of the world led by Islamic and Leftist opinion makers would have made sure of a world fit of hysteria and hatred against Israel, such as those that take place whenever Israel takes steps to protects it's population from genocidal Islamic aggression.
An Israeli mother, one of the hostages together with her family asked one of the German hijackers a question as pertinent to pro-Palestinian agitators and terror-instigators as ever today : "Let's suppose that you and the 'Front' and all the other enemies of Israel in the Arab countries and elsewhere succeed in destroying Israel, heaven forbid, and the surviving Jews will be dispersed all over the world again-what will you do? Hijack planes to help the Jewish people return to their homeland, or do you only do that for the Palestinians?"
RIP to the brave hero of the Operation who died while performing this heroic rescue of his people , Yonatan Netanyahu and to Dora Bloch, an elderly surviving Israeli hostage butchered by the Ugandans , after she was accidentally left behind.
There was certainly something obscene 31 years after the Holocaust about Germans shouting orders at Jewish hostages and waving guns over their heads, while engaging in 'selektzia' - selection of the prisoners of terror, with all those with Israeli names ordered into a different section of the building.
The Arab terrorists of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine were were led by a German man and woman from the Marxist German terrorist group the Baader Meinhof Gang. Their behaviour reminded at least one hostage, himself bearing tattooed numbers from a concentration camp of Nazis.
The terrorists who hijacked the Air France Flight 139 were executing a meticulously conceived plan by an international terrorist network controlled by the Soviet Union and directed by terrorist regimes such as that of Libyan mass murderer Muammar Gaddafi. The terrorist operation was endorsed by the then President of Uganda, Idi Amin Dada, who hosted the terrorists and their operation and gave it every assistance. After the massacre of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Idi Amin had sent a message to the United Nations expressing his joy and appreciation of the murders, adding praise for Hitler's extermination of six million Jews.
The author points out a warning that is more pertinent today than ever. "If terrorism succeeds against Israel, then it is only a matter of time before every democracy faces the same threat on a global scale". As American statesman Daniel Moynihan said at the time of Operation Thunderbolt "Israel has become the metaphor for democracy as much as the utterly as much as the utterly unprincipled attacks by terrorists on Israeli civilians has become a metaphor for the general assault on democracy and decency which is the sustaining ethos of totalitarianism in our time".
Words which are even more true today than at the time they were spoken. Following the rescue operation at Entebbe, Israel was excoriated by the Communist and Arab bloc and Uganda for what was labelled bizarrely as an 'attack on the Third World", completely ignoring the fact that Amin's Uganda had been the aggressor by facilitating the criminal piracy and hostage-taking.
And yet the world made a lot more sense in 1976. most of the free world knew Israel was quite justified in rescuing her own innocent civilians
If such an operation had taken place today, the anti-Israel vultures of the world led by Islamic and Leftist opinion makers would have made sure of a world fit of hysteria and hatred against Israel, such as those that take place whenever Israel takes steps to protects it's population from genocidal Islamic aggression.
An Israeli mother, one of the hostages together with her family asked one of the German hijackers a question as pertinent to pro-Palestinian agitators and terror-instigators as ever today : "Let's suppose that you and the 'Front' and all the other enemies of Israel in the Arab countries and elsewhere succeed in destroying Israel, heaven forbid, and the surviving Jews will be dispersed all over the world again-what will you do? Hijack planes to help the Jewish people return to their homeland, or do you only do that for the Palestinians?"
RIP to the brave hero of the Operation who died while performing this heroic rescue of his people , Yonatan Netanyahu and to Dora Bloch, an elderly surviving Israeli hostage butchered by the Ugandans , after she was accidentally left behind.
August 5, 2019
Fantastic read. The book is detailed account of not only the spectacular rescue of hostages from the hijacked plane but also is indepth study of how a few countries including Soviet Union, Uganda, Algeria, Somalia, Sudan and some Arab states used terrorists as a tool to further their agenda. Despite attempts to isolate them internationally, Israel fought back. The book is a must read to understand how a nation should act in its most critical moments of crisis.
February 19, 2016
A great story - I've always thought this series of events would be unbelievable as fiction, but they did it. When I went to Marine boot camp in fall of '76, this had happened only a few months earlier, but there was already a TV documentary about it. The only times our drill instructors turned on the TV in the squadbay were at Christmas and to show us that documentary - the senior drill instructor said, basically, 'Watch and learn. This is what an elite military organization in action looks like.'
This book tracks the events from the perspectives of the hostages and hijackers, during the hijacking and at the Entebbe airport, and those of the Israeli civilian and military leaders and elite soldiers who carried out the mission. The inside story of the decision process within the Israeli government is a part I hadn't heard much about before, and it's as fascinating as the military action.
I'd recommend this for any reader who's interested in geopolitics, military affairs, terrorism, the Middle East, and/or the kinds of quandaries heads of states sometimes have to deal with. I am definitely not in the 'Israel can do no wrong' camp (as this author seems to be toward the end) but in this case I believe they did a hard and necessary thing and did it superbly.
This book tracks the events from the perspectives of the hostages and hijackers, during the hijacking and at the Entebbe airport, and those of the Israeli civilian and military leaders and elite soldiers who carried out the mission. The inside story of the decision process within the Israeli government is a part I hadn't heard much about before, and it's as fascinating as the military action.
I'd recommend this for any reader who's interested in geopolitics, military affairs, terrorism, the Middle East, and/or the kinds of quandaries heads of states sometimes have to deal with. I am definitely not in the 'Israel can do no wrong' camp (as this author seems to be toward the end) but in this case I believe they did a hard and necessary thing and did it superbly.
March 28, 2018
I remember watching the news with my parents in the 1970s and not having the faintest idea why these people were always hijacking planes or getting and killing hostages. It seemed all so complicated. It happened all the time (that’s what it felt like anyway). This book is looking at one particular hijacking. Air France 139 was flying from Tel Aviv to Athens and then Paris. It never made it to Paris.
In this case, it was the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) that organized it in the hope that they could bargain with the Israeli government to get a batch of terrorists released from prison in different countries. They divert the plane to Benghazi and then onto Entebbe which is just outside Kampala in Uganda. The President of Uganda at that time was none other than Idi Amin.
The book (not impartial writing by the way) looks at the quandary faced by the Israeli government and then the action it takes to bring the hostages to safety. Does it negotiate with the terrorists or not? What role did Amin play in this whole hijacking scenario? For me, this was the intriguing conundrum. His actions and that of his army are quite telling.
The end of the book details the telephone conversations between Colonel Baruch Barlev ‘Borka’ and his friend Idi Amin and also the United Nations Security Council Debate. The whole book is quite functional and a little cold. It is not a ‘No Easy Day’ account full of drama as it is from the outside looking in but nonetheless provides an overview of what went on in that week at the end of June 1976.
In this case, it was the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) that organized it in the hope that they could bargain with the Israeli government to get a batch of terrorists released from prison in different countries. They divert the plane to Benghazi and then onto Entebbe which is just outside Kampala in Uganda. The President of Uganda at that time was none other than Idi Amin.
The book (not impartial writing by the way) looks at the quandary faced by the Israeli government and then the action it takes to bring the hostages to safety. Does it negotiate with the terrorists or not? What role did Amin play in this whole hijacking scenario? For me, this was the intriguing conundrum. His actions and that of his army are quite telling.
The end of the book details the telephone conversations between Colonel Baruch Barlev ‘Borka’ and his friend Idi Amin and also the United Nations Security Council Debate. The whole book is quite functional and a little cold. It is not a ‘No Easy Day’ account full of drama as it is from the outside looking in but nonetheless provides an overview of what went on in that week at the end of June 1976.
August 19, 2018
Growing up in the 1970s, I remember constantly hearing about hijackings and hostages. We were at Heathrow Airport once, about to check-in for a flight, when there was a sudden mad rush and everyone was ordered to go and wait in the parking lot because of a possible terrorist attack. Another time, we were in the London Underground and everyone had to rush out because of terrorist fears.
Knowing my love for Israel, my dad has often enjoyed telling me the incredible story about how back in 1976 the Israeli Defense Force secretly flew into Entebbe, Uganda to rescue hostages from a hijacked plane. This was known as Operation Thunderbolt.
When I came across this book, I was eager to read it. The story is amazing, but I do so wish that someone else had written it. The writing was choppy in many parts and I felt that it was detached and dry. For such an amazing event in history, this book was underwhelming.
My favorite quote:
“Other nations preferred to shy from taking precautions and collaborating in the frustration of terrorism. Too many governments were afraid of offending Arab, African, and Asian sensibilities.”
Knowing my love for Israel, my dad has often enjoyed telling me the incredible story about how back in 1976 the Israeli Defense Force secretly flew into Entebbe, Uganda to rescue hostages from a hijacked plane. This was known as Operation Thunderbolt.
When I came across this book, I was eager to read it. The story is amazing, but I do so wish that someone else had written it. The writing was choppy in many parts and I felt that it was detached and dry. For such an amazing event in history, this book was underwhelming.
My favorite quote:
“Other nations preferred to shy from taking precautions and collaborating in the frustration of terrorism. Too many governments were afraid of offending Arab, African, and Asian sensibilities.”
July 24, 2012
Exciting and in-depth report of an amazing incident -- feels like fiction, but it rings of the truth!
While perhaps not a literary work of art, 90 Minutes at Entebbe reveals a small but important piece of history that is often forgotten, and shows the reader a startlingly intense moment in the history and triumph of the Israeli Defense Forces.
Chock full of true heroes, this book is a good read, and highly desirable for lovers of history. We would give this book its five full stars were it not for two minor issues: first, that the text tends to drag and segue at length; though many scenes are action-packed, the reader is occasionally taken away from them right in the thick of things for a foray into background and further history. While understanding the minutiae that build up an event is crucial, the author does not always pick the best place and time to do so. The second detractor from this book's quality is its casual writing style. While the straightforward manner in which the author writes is useful in alleviating the potential for boredom, it also removes the reader somewhat from the action, especially in employing more colloquial phrases.
Despite these flaws, this is an excellent read, and a unique text that should be read much more often and by many more people than it likely is!
March 31, 2018
The rescue of the hijacked Jewish passengers and Air France crew from Entebbe in 1976 tells of a remarkable set of events and bravery of various people. Unfortunately I think the book was rushed into print at the time as it jumps around and needs a good edit. As a result it seems to give only a glimpse of what actually went on.
October 27, 2012
Why is Israel such a powerful nation today? Read this unbelievable rescue story to understand the resilience of the nation, its leadership and courage. Shows how to treat terror with tact, guile, speed and decisiveness.
this book is a true story and captures narrations from the hostages, their grief, courage and perseverance. In the entire operation, only one member of the Israeli rescue team was lost. It shows the meticulous planning, execution and conviction of the entire team. One cannot believe that the entire rescue was conceived in less than a week and executed in even less time. the big nations even failed to come to either physical or moral support. This book also provides good insights to key African nations and their alignment to world affairs. If you want to know a bit about Idi Amin, here is something....
this book is a true story and captures narrations from the hostages, their grief, courage and perseverance. In the entire operation, only one member of the Israeli rescue team was lost. It shows the meticulous planning, execution and conviction of the entire team. One cannot believe that the entire rescue was conceived in less than a week and executed in even less time. the big nations even failed to come to either physical or moral support. This book also provides good insights to key African nations and their alignment to world affairs. If you want to know a bit about Idi Amin, here is something....
February 1, 2015
I read this book 31 years ago, when I was in grade 7. It was on a rack of paperback "extra reading" books that had been put out by the librarian and teachers of my tiny 65 student Catholic elementary school in rural Western Canada. That's 65 students including all of grades 1 through 8! I found it an exciting read when I was 12 years old and it made a big impression on my young mind. The bravery and heroism of the Israelis rang as true and just. In retrospect, I think that this book, along with the 1980's TV miniseries Sword of Gideon, helped to inoculate me against the rabid anti-Israel and anti-Western ideas that were the rule on campus in my later university years.
May 29, 2021
Amazing true story of a rescue mission by the Israeli special ops team. A plane with 248 people was hijacked by the PLO and diverted to the city of Entebbe in Uganda. The book covers the planning of the mission, the mission itself and then the aftermath.
The best part was the actual rescue mission which was brave and brilliant in its execution.
One of the biggest questions during the ordeal and after was if Big Daddy Idi Amin and his military were trying to help free the hostages or if they were helping the PLO. The last 30% of the book covers the debates that took place in the UN between Israel and Uganda representatives. In my opinion the attacks on Israel from the Uganda representatives makes it clear that they are no friend of Israel and they were in fact supporting the PLO hijackers.
Overall a very good listen. An added bonus is that it was free on audible if you are a member.
The best part was the actual rescue mission which was brave and brilliant in its execution.
One of the biggest questions during the ordeal and after was if Big Daddy Idi Amin and his military were trying to help free the hostages or if they were helping the PLO. The last 30% of the book covers the debates that took place in the UN between Israel and Uganda representatives. In my opinion the attacks on Israel from the Uganda representatives makes it clear that they are no friend of Israel and they were in fact supporting the PLO hijackers.
Overall a very good listen. An added bonus is that it was free on audible if you are a member.
January 21, 2022
I enjoyed reliving this rescue of Isreali hostages from a hijacking in Uganda back in 1976. It's a classic book on one of the most daring raids and contains as much information about the hijacking, Idi Amin and the actual raid as one can learn. At times the detail makes the audio version, which is what I listened to, harder to follow. I enjoyed the story, even after all these years - I just will have to switch to the print or e-book. This also is not a knock on the narrator Derek Perkins - he did a fine job as well. I just don't think this book translates that well into audio.
December 17, 2008
The raid on Entebbe was a huge event in the history of the war on terror and in the foundation of special operations for the world's militaries. The author did a terrible, terrible job of describing one of the greatest special operations missions in the twentieth century. The book uses a news format which doesn't work very well. It jumps from subject to subject and person to person too quickly and inconsistently to allow the reader the chance to develop a timeline and perception of the events. Also only a tenth of the book actually describes the raid itself. The rest is interviews with the major players. Basically your getting 10 pages of sweet story and 190 pages of shit. If you want to read a good book on entebbe find another one.
June 6, 2021
This was a well done book about a fascinating but little known event in Israeli/Ugandan history. A plane load of primarily Israeli passengers is hijacked and diverted to Entebbe, Uganda. Entirely in cahoots with Idi Amin, who may win the prize for the biggest buffoon to ever lead a country, which is quite a statement in itself. He tries to squirm out of it but his lies are blatant and in the end it doesn’t much matter. The Israelis are always willing to take massive risks in these situations but they usually pull things off well. In the end it’s an amazing operation. The book spends just enough time on the different aspects of the whole event, including the aftermath, to make it a pretty great read.
March 14, 2008
The Entebbe operation is one of the most daring, spectacular and successful military operations of the 20th century. It is not so well-known outside of Israel, but I think most readers will find this book hard to put down. The book does full justice to the military , political and humanitarian sides of the story.
February 11, 2013
This is one of books which can give you chills. Amazingly written and must read for non-fiction lovers. In the end you probably realize the power, courage and reach of Israel.
October 1, 2014
THIS IS AN INCREDIBLE STORY OF THE MOST HEROIC ANTI TERRORIST RESCUES OF ALL TIME.
Read
May 29, 2025I read this book in my late teens, but completely forgot about having read it and only upon finishing Operation Thunderbolt: Flight 139 and the Raid on Entebbe Airport, the Most Audacious Hostage Rescue Mission in History have some vague memories resurfaced.
Leaving without rating as I can't remember much about the basics - I'm recording it now for my overall book tally.
Leaving without rating as I can't remember much about the basics - I'm recording it now for my overall book tally.
September 21, 2015
Children of the 21st century (of which I have two) have only known of terror being carried out by Muslim extremists against the nations of the West. In my youth, terrorist organizations such as the Japanese Red Army, the Baader-Meinhof gang as well as infamous terrorists like Carlos The Jackal were regular news stories in the 1970s as these groups agitated for Palestinian autonomy, the political isolation of Israel, and the furtherance of communist aims. One of these terrorist acts was the 1976 hijacking of Air France flight 139 which was hijacked after leaving Athens on its way to Paris. The flight had originated in Tel Aviv and as such carried many Israelis. After a layover in Bengazi, Lybia, the flight continued to its final destination of Entebbe, Uganda.
William Stevenson's account of the week between the hijacking and their eventual rescue by the IAF is quick read, but by no means is it surface-level. There are a lot of moving parts in this narrative. While Israel can be seen sometimes as divided, it is only because there is a lot riding on each and every action they take. Every factor is taken into account in making a decision, because their very nationhood lies at stake as no other nation on earth. The government of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin struggled to balance their national security needs against those of the hijack victims families who sought their immediate return. It was not even certain that "Track B" - the attempted rescue - would happen until the very last minute.
The book relies and discussions with various Israeli officials and the diary a young man kept during his captivity. This can be read in short order and provides valuable insight into the inner workings of a nation in crisis.
BOTTOM LINE: The book version of "Raid on Entebbe" that brings 20th century terrorist activities to life.
William Stevenson's account of the week between the hijacking and their eventual rescue by the IAF is quick read, but by no means is it surface-level. There are a lot of moving parts in this narrative. While Israel can be seen sometimes as divided, it is only because there is a lot riding on each and every action they take. Every factor is taken into account in making a decision, because their very nationhood lies at stake as no other nation on earth. The government of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin struggled to balance their national security needs against those of the hijack victims families who sought their immediate return. It was not even certain that "Track B" - the attempted rescue - would happen until the very last minute.
The book relies and discussions with various Israeli officials and the diary a young man kept during his captivity. This can be read in short order and provides valuable insight into the inner workings of a nation in crisis.
BOTTOM LINE: The book version of "Raid on Entebbe" that brings 20th century terrorist activities to life.
November 25, 2019
I knew of the story. I was always impressed. What I did not understand was the time constraint and the layers of secret planning that had to happen perfectly to guarantee a successful mission.
It is a tightly told, important part of history. An added bonus for me was to really get an understanding of the importance of the C-130 Hercules in making this mission work. I knew they were involved, but Mr. Stevenson expands on just all that the C-130s were task to do. Simply outstanding. As a past crewmember of C-130s, I knew the plane we flew was special, but without the C-130s the Entebbe raid would not have been possible.
A must read for any C-130 lover.
It is a tightly told, important part of history. An added bonus for me was to really get an understanding of the importance of the C-130 Hercules in making this mission work. I knew they were involved, but Mr. Stevenson expands on just all that the C-130s were task to do. Simply outstanding. As a past crewmember of C-130s, I knew the plane we flew was special, but without the C-130s the Entebbe raid would not have been possible.
A must read for any C-130 lover.
December 8, 2016
This book is a great account of the raid on Entebbe that freed a plane full of mostly Israeli passengers from terrorists hiding out under the protection of Idi Amin, Uganda's strongman. The event was a stunning victory by Israeli special forces and Mossad. It helped to create an aura of invincibility that undoubtedly deterred other terrorist attacks in the years that followed.
A handful of lives were lost and the Uganda's exacted some revenge on people left behind, however it was considered to be a national victory in Israel.
Very interesting book!
A handful of lives were lost and the Uganda's exacted some revenge on people left behind, however it was considered to be a national victory in Israel.
Very interesting book!
August 30, 2017
A great book - very interesting event in the history of Israel.
The brother of the present Prime-Minister of Israel was the only man killed
in this operation.
The brother of the present Prime-Minister of Israel was the only man killed
in this operation.
March 9, 2024
Choosing consciously to sidestep the moral debate in the Palestine/Israel issue - for which more nuance, consideration, and unideological honesty is required than I could possibly squeeze into a quick Goodreads review - this book gives a detailed, harrowing, eye-opening account of the 1976 Air France hijacking by Palestinian (and sympathetic) terrorists, and the resulting raid at Entebbe airport to save Israeli hostages.
Even for its time, the writer takes a staunchly pro-Israel stance in the matter. Barring the occasional allusion to conduct that was less than morally sound (the publicly denied taking of certain terrorists away for "interrogation"; the indiscriminate, albeit flash-decision, killing of certain Ugandan soldiers), you will find very little here that does not encourage a conclusion that the Israeli forces were absolutely justified in their actions, impeccably efficient in their execution, and perfectly vindicated by history. Such as it is, in reading this book, I find it hard not to form those conclusions myself.
Having said that, the most intriguing aspect for me was the almost voyeuristic insights you get into Idi Amin, the then-Ugandan dictator-president. Naturally, this book put me in mind of the brilliant 2006 film, The Last King of Scotland, where Forrest Whittaker gives a remarkably chilling portrayal of the man. Despite his cruelty and his dangerous mercuriality, he really was a fascinating person, and you can see how he had a way of winning people over and manipulating them. When he eventually loses his hand during the hostage crisis, I somehow found myself feeling sorry for him, in all his desperate ineptitude to grasp the enfolding situation.
Even for its time, the writer takes a staunchly pro-Israel stance in the matter. Barring the occasional allusion to conduct that was less than morally sound (the publicly denied taking of certain terrorists away for "interrogation"; the indiscriminate, albeit flash-decision, killing of certain Ugandan soldiers), you will find very little here that does not encourage a conclusion that the Israeli forces were absolutely justified in their actions, impeccably efficient in their execution, and perfectly vindicated by history. Such as it is, in reading this book, I find it hard not to form those conclusions myself.
Having said that, the most intriguing aspect for me was the almost voyeuristic insights you get into Idi Amin, the then-Ugandan dictator-president. Naturally, this book put me in mind of the brilliant 2006 film, The Last King of Scotland, where Forrest Whittaker gives a remarkably chilling portrayal of the man. Despite his cruelty and his dangerous mercuriality, he really was a fascinating person, and you can see how he had a way of winning people over and manipulating them. When he eventually loses his hand during the hostage crisis, I somehow found myself feeling sorry for him, in all his desperate ineptitude to grasp the enfolding situation.
September 28, 2017
This book recounts the amazing feat of counter-terrorism in which Israeli special forces secretly flew into Uganda and rescued Jewish hostages who had been on a plane hijacked by German and Palestinian terrorists (aided and abetted by the mad dictator Idi Amin). However, for a book with "Full Inside Story" in its subtitle, this account was disappointingly sparse on details at some points. The description of the "90 minutes" of the actual raid takes up maybe 20 pages out of 240 and is the least detailed section of the book.
Most of the book covers (in a somewhat jumbled manner) the background of the terrorists; the treatment and conditions of the hostages; very generalized descriptions of the diplomatic & political maneuvering, intelligence gathering, military planning, etc. leading up to the raid; and the diplomatic fallout after the raid (including a partial transcript of a debate in the UN security council). All of this is accompanied by a fair amount of finger-wagging at the rest of the world for not doing more about international terrorism and leaving Israel to go it alone (even though there are numerous mentions of the US, France, and Britain providing Israel with intelligence).
Overall, the Entebbe raid is an amazing chapter in history and I am glad to have learned more about it, but I was underwhelmed by this author's presentation of it.
Most of the book covers (in a somewhat jumbled manner) the background of the terrorists; the treatment and conditions of the hostages; very generalized descriptions of the diplomatic & political maneuvering, intelligence gathering, military planning, etc. leading up to the raid; and the diplomatic fallout after the raid (including a partial transcript of a debate in the UN security council). All of this is accompanied by a fair amount of finger-wagging at the rest of the world for not doing more about international terrorism and leaving Israel to go it alone (even though there are numerous mentions of the US, France, and Britain providing Israel with intelligence).
Overall, the Entebbe raid is an amazing chapter in history and I am glad to have learned more about it, but I was underwhelmed by this author's presentation of it.
November 21, 2020
Growing up, I remember watching the movie, "90 minutes at Entebbe". The rumour then was that Idi Amin used to eat human flesh. I remember being curious but never really saw him in the movie eating Human Flesh. This book is a technical report of the events the occurred in June 1976 at entebbe airpot. The Israeli army led a raid, one that is considered one of the best in military combat and intelligence in history. An operation to extract hostages held at Entebbe in 90 minutes. A perfectly executed plan. Idi Amin had his version of the events as the saviour of the hostages and not a perpetrator to the events that led terrorist hijacking of plane 139.
Over the years I have read many books that show the african version of events. I have since doubted anything bad written about the previous african leaders. However in this book, Idi Amin did not convince me as innocent, not that, that was the focus of the book anyway.
All in all the book was a page turner, it was like you are watching the event happen in real time.
Over the years I have read many books that show the african version of events. I have since doubted anything bad written about the previous african leaders. However in this book, Idi Amin did not convince me as innocent, not that, that was the focus of the book anyway.
All in all the book was a page turner, it was like you are watching the event happen in real time.
October 9, 2016
With Courage & Determination
The story of the rescue of the hostages by the Israeli Army makes for good reading even if this story were a work of fiction. The reality of this story, the gritty determination and courage of the Israeli personnel resonates just as clearly today. Unfortunately for the free world, we live with the terrorist threat today. The methods may differ, but, the reality of terrorist acts remains with us today.
From the reading of this story, what we see here is the gritty determination of the national political leadership acting in a cause for the common good of the nation. Their unity of purpose, their determination to take a rescue against all of the perceived odds stands as a picture of pure courage and backbone. In our fractured politics of today, perhaps we can learn a lesson here in taking action, regardless of the political calculation, in the national interest.
The story of the rescue of the hostages by the Israeli Army makes for good reading even if this story were a work of fiction. The reality of this story, the gritty determination and courage of the Israeli personnel resonates just as clearly today. Unfortunately for the free world, we live with the terrorist threat today. The methods may differ, but, the reality of terrorist acts remains with us today.
From the reading of this story, what we see here is the gritty determination of the national political leadership acting in a cause for the common good of the nation. Their unity of purpose, their determination to take a rescue against all of the perceived odds stands as a picture of pure courage and backbone. In our fractured politics of today, perhaps we can learn a lesson here in taking action, regardless of the political calculation, in the national interest.
February 11, 2020
I liked this overall, although it was not perfect. It was unabashedly pro-Israeli, but that was expected and didn't put me off: in context here I think explaining the desperation of the Entebbe raid demands a serious explanation of the existential threat Israel faced, and had faced for the 15 years up to that point. It explains the motivation behind the whole thing. The structure of the book was a little chaotic, jumping around a lot, and it does feel like a lot of political lead-up whereas the action itself is breezed through and touched on only briefly. That was somewhat disappointing, not that I wanted a thriller, but I would've liked some more detail on how exactly the operation went down and what everyone was doing. It might've just been published before all of that was de-classified, and he was just writing what he could at the time.
October 7, 2019
I actually didn't read the last part of the book as I'd finished the story of the daring rescue and the aftermath. Unfortunately, there were a few times when I had to leave off reading and when I picked it up again I was a bit confused about who was telling the story as there were several times when there would be parts of the story told by different people. But it is a very interesting and inspiring story. It gave me a better understanding of why the Israelis felt that it was so important to rescue the hostages. Obviously, this would/should be motivation for any country whose citizens have been taken hostage, but with the persecution suffered by the Jews and their isolation among enemies and with much of the world indifferent or antisemitic, it was especially important.
May 24, 2020
This book chronicles the amazing 1976 rescue by Israeli soldiers of the mostly Jewish hostages being held by Palestinian and German terrorists at Entebbe airport in Uganda. This was the age of jetliner hijackings, and the terrorists had taken over an Air France plane and spirited it away to Uganda. That country was then under the control of dictator Idi Amin. Israeli commandos flew over 2,500 miles to make the rescue, and the operation was completed before Amin, who was sympathetic to the terrorists, knew it had occurred. I probably read this book for the first time shortly after it was published. While the actual rescue is exciting, much of the book is taken up with accounts of the resulting UN Security Council debate and other, less-than-interesting materials.
October 21, 2013
i thought that this book was excellent, i usually dont like to read because i dont have the time for it but when i started to read this i almost couldnt stop. but the whole accounting of it in the format it was wrote in was clever, the book was also suspenseful on what the upcoming events that took place but not a total 5 stars because it seemed like it had some dry and boring spots but other than that a great first hand account book.
December 29, 2018
True story of an Air France airliner hijacked by terrorists and directed to Uganda in 1976. President Idi Amin plays a part in this hijacking by allowing the terrorists to land in his country. Under the code name of Operation Thunderbolt, the Israeli army plan and execute a raid to rescue the remaining Israeli citizens. The raid takes 90 minutes to execute, hence the title. I enjoyed the pictures that came along with the book as well.
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