Uganda Unveils Yoni Netanyahu Statue at Entebbe Airport by Artist Itay Zalait

Uganda officially unveiled a bronze statue honoring Yoni Netanyahu at Entebbe Airport, the site where he was killed during the 1976 Israeli hostage rescue operation. The statue was created by Israeli artist Itay Zalait, known for his provocative sculptures, including a golden statue of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously displayed in Tel Aviv. Zalait visited Entebbe Airport to study the location and consult with former members of the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, which Yoni Netanyahu commanded.

During the unveiling ceremony, Uganda's military chief, Major General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of Uganda's president, emphasized the historical significance of commemorating Netanyahu at the place of his death. He praised Netanyahu's leadership and sacrifice as enduring symbols of courage and selfless service, and highlighted the importance of monuments in preserving memory and inspiring future generations.

Zalait described the statue as "old-school" bronze, depicting Netanyahu in a dynamic pose symbolizing the moment he led the assault before falling. The project took about six months and was developed in close cooperation with the Ugandan government, which showed great enthusiasm for the initiative. Zalait noted the personal significance of the project, as he himself served in Sayeret Matkal and later trained units involved in the Entebbe operation.

The artist also shared that he consulted extensively with historians and former soldiers to capture an authentic representation of Netanyahu. Zalait's previous works include the 2020 "Hero of Israel" statue near the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, a symbol of protest, and a controversial golden statue of Netanyahu in Tel Aviv in 2016. The new statue in Uganda marks a meaningful tribute to Yoni Netanyahu's legacy at the exact location of his heroic death.