Battleground 364. The Impossible Mission: Entebbe Part 1
Jan 21, 2026
The harrowing tale of the 1976 Air France Flight 139 hijacking unfolds, revealing the intricate planning behind Operation Thunderbolt. Internal struggles among legendary commanders, including Yoni Netanyahu, add dramatic tension. A host shows remarkable ingenuity, faking a miscarriage to gather intel. Clever tactics like the 'Goldfinger' ruse and a secret refueling deal highlight the urgent measures taken. The discussion delves into historical motives, concluding with a pivotal cabinet decision that sets the stage for a daring rescue.
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Scale And Risk Redefined Special Ops
- Operation Thunderbolt required a 2,000-mile, night-time C-130 flight with radio silence over hostile territory.
- The mission's scale and risk redefined modern special-forces rescue doctrine.
Unit's Origins And Unique Recruitment
- Saul David recounts Sayeret Matkal's origins as a strategic intelligence unit turned counterterrorism force.
- He describes recruits as the "cream of Israeli youth" trained for assassination, demolition and hostage rescue.
Muki Betzer's Uganda Connection
- Saul David profiles Muki Betzer's background, including his service forming Ugandan paratroopers.
- Betzer later joined the unit and led many major operations before Entebbe.
