Israeli Leaders Mark 50 Years Since Entebbe Raid Amid Veteran Boycott

A state ceremony was held at the President's Residence in Jerusalem on Sunday evening to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Operation Jonathan, also known as the Entebbe raid. The event was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. President Herzog emphasized the operation's enduring legacy, stating it transcends individuals and political disputes, representing a heritage of bravery and national responsibility. He highlighted the moral declaration made by Israel that while the state has borders, its responsibility to protect its citizens is limitless.

Herzog recalled the heavy responsibility borne by then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, praising his courage and leadership during the decision-making process. He also mentioned former Defense Minister Shimon Peres's words about moments when a nation must stand tall, underscoring the operation's lasting global impact. Herzog connected the spirit of Entebbe to contemporary Israeli security efforts, referencing recent hostage rescues such as Operation Arnon.

Despite the ceremony's significance, 36 veterans who participated in the raid, including seriously wounded soldier Surin Hershko, announced they would boycott the event. They criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for glorifying the Entebbe rescue while allegedly abandoning hostages in Hamas tunnels and enabling draft evasion. Among those absent was Beni Davidson, a hostage freed during the operation. The veterans held a separate event to honor their commander Yonatan Netanyahu, expressing their refusal to be used as a backdrop for political purposes. This boycott cast a shadow over the commemorative event, highlighting ongoing tensions within Israeli society regarding military service and political leadership.