Operation Thunderbolt

Saul David's "Operation Thunderbolt" delivers a meticulously researched account of one of the most daring military operations of the twentieth century. The book chronicles the events surrounding Air France Flight 139, which was hijacked on June 27, 1976, by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and German revolutionaries, ultimately landing at Entebbe Airport in Uganda. What followed was a rescue mission that would define Israeli special operations and become a benchmark for counterterrorism efforts worldwide.

David demonstrates his command of military history by weaving together multiple narrative threads that span from the hijacking itself to the political machinations in Tel Aviv, the experiences of hostages held in the old terminal building at Entebbe, and the preparations of the Israeli Defense Forces for an unprecedented long-range rescue operation. The author draws upon extensive interviews with survivors, military personnel, and government officials, as well as newly declassified documents, to construct a comprehensive picture of the week-long crisis.

The strength of this work lies in its ability to present complex military and political dynamics in an accessible manner. David takes care to establish the historical context of the hijacking, explaining the Palestinian militant movement's tactical shift toward international terrorism and the collaboration between Palestinian groups and European radicals during this period. The involvement of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, who initially posed as a mediator but quickly revealed himself as a collaborator with the hijackers, adds another layer of intrigue to an already complicated situation.

The narrative excels in its treatment of the hostages themselves, presenting them not as passive victims but as individuals making calculated decisions under extreme duress. The separation of Israeli and Jewish passengers from others, a chilling echo of Nazi selection processes that was not lost on Holocaust survivors among the hostages, receives appropriately grave treatment. David captures the psychological toll of captivity while also noting moments of resilience and humanity that emerged during the ordeal.

Equally compelling is the author's examination of the Israeli decision-making process. The book details the intense debates within the Israeli government about whether to negotiate with terrorists or attempt a military solution. The technical challenges of mounting a rescue operation over 2,500 miles from Israel, in a hostile country, with limited intelligence, seemed nearly insurmountable. David effectively conveys the weight of the decision facing Israeli leaders, particularly Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Defense Minister Shimon Peres, who had to balance the lives of hostages against national policy and military capability.

The planning and execution of the raid itself receives thorough attention. David walks readers through the intelligence gathering, the rehearsals, the logistical challenges of flying Hercules transport aircraft such distances, and the split-second decisions made on the ground at Entebbe. The operation, led by Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu, who would become the mission's only Israeli military fatality, unfolded with remarkable precision despite numerous potential points of failure. The author's military expertise allows him to explain tactical decisions clearly without oversimplification.

David also addresses the controversial aspects of the operation, including the Ugandan casualties and the death of Dora Bloch, an elderly hostage who had been taken to a Ugandan hospital before the raid and was subsequently murdered in apparent retaliation. The book does not shy away from the moral complexities inherent in such operations, though it maintains a measured tone throughout.

The writing remains engaging across the book's substantial length, maintaining tension even though the outcome is well known. David's pacing ensures that technical and political discussions never bog down the narrative momentum. The author successfully balances the need for detail with readability, making the book accessible to general readers while providing enough depth to satisfy those with existing knowledge of the subject.

Some readers may find the level of detail occasionally overwhelming, as David attempts to account for numerous perspectives and timelines simultaneously. However, this thoroughness serves the book's larger purpose of creating a definitive account of the operation. The extensive source notes and bibliography demonstrate the research foundation underlying the narrative.

"Operation Thunderbolt" stands as a significant contribution to the literature on counterterrorism and military history. David has produced a work that honors the complexity of the Entebbe raid while remaining accessible to a broad audience. The book succeeds both as a gripping historical narrative and as a serious examination of a pivotal moment in the history of international terrorism and response. For anyone seeking to understand this landmark operation beyond the simplified versions that have entered popular culture, this comprehensive account proves invaluable.