Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially expressed profound gratitude to the Government of Uganda following the unveiling of a memorial monument honoring his late brother, Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan “Yoni” Netanyahu, at the historic Old Entebbe Airport terminal.
The solemn unveiling ceremony took place on August 1, 2026, presided over by Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the precise location where the fallen commando lost his life during the iconic July 4, 1976, hostage rescue mission.
Netanyahu: “His Spirit Continues to Inspire”
In a statement released shortly after the ceremony, Prime Minister Netanyahu highlighted the enduring legacy of his elder brother, who served as the commander of the elite Sayeret Matkal unit during Operation Entebbe.
“Fifty years have passed, but his spirit continues to inspire in Israel and around the world,” Netanyahu stated, describing Yoni as an everlasting symbol of devotion, courage, and selfless service.
Reframing History: Shared Security and Reconciliation
Presiding over the historic event, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba underscored that the installation represents both historical reconciliation and a reaffirmation of the bilateral partnership between Kampala and Jerusalem.
Key Takeaways from the CDF’s Address:
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Honoring the Fallen: The memorial pays tribute to Lt. Col. Yoni Netanyahu’s bravery while also recognizing the innocent hostages who lost their lives during the 1976 raid, including Jean-Jacques Maimoni, Pasco Cohen, Ida Borochovitch, and Dora Bloch.
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Beyond 1976: Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized that relations between Uganda and Israel extend far past the events of the Cold War era, anchored on modern cooperation in security, intelligence, and agricultural innovation.
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A Beacon for Future Generations: The monument serves as a permanent symbol guiding future military leadership on duty, courage, and the protection of innocent lives.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting Israeli delegation, Barack Orland commended Gen. Kainerugaba and the Ugandan leadership for supporting the memorial project at the airport site, describing it as a testament to the enduring bond between both nations.
