Original subtitles

What you are about to see took place in late June and early July of 1976.

These events lasted eight days

-and began in Athens, Greece on Sunday June the 27th .

Special occasion. Our first anniversary.

Yeah. Yeah, mother will like it. - How about me?

She's gonna love you too. - Are you sure? - Yes, I'm sure - Congratulations! It's very pretty. - Thank you.

You been married one year? - One week.

Now who's the lucky mother? - Mine. She's never met Nathan.

Well, she's going to be in for a very pleasant surprise. - Thank you.

I'll take it.

Maybe you won't get the dog back on the plane. - They didn't see her last time. - They may look more closely this time.

They'll put her in the baggage compartment. It's too cold in there.

Well, let me take her, they never watch kids. - Good idea. - Here darling.

Announcing the boarding of Air France flight 139 from Tel Aviv via Athens to Paris now boarding at Gate 12.

RAID ON ENTEBBE

I'll put this away for you.

What is the weather like in Paris? - It is very hot and an unusual summer - Ya, isn't it?.

Oh my! I wonder if I brought enough for all the grandchildren.

I think you brought enough for a whole kibbutz.

Where are you from?

You don't speak English?

Vous parlez français?

This is Air France 139, climbing to 12000 to flight level 330.

Look!

The water is so blue!

Yes, it is blue.

What is your name? - Alice.

My name is Mr. Cooper. We'll talk later. - Okay.

We recommend you keep your seatbelt fastened.

Don't anyone speak! Don't move. This is a live grenade, the pin is out.

If anyone tries anything, if anyone touches me I've only to drop it and I won't hesitate to do it!

I will shoot!

Everybody quiet! Don't anybody move! Sit down!

I said sit down! Sit down!

Gerard, go back and check.

Open up!

Sit down!

Put your hands on the table! Don't move!

Get seated!

What kind of a joke is this? -Quietly! Sit down!

Dad, he pulled the pin! - It's alright, it's alright as long as he got his hand on it.

You, quiet! No talking.

Nobody move.

Hand me the radio captain. -Committing an act of international piracy.

Give it to me!

Switch to intercom.

Attention, everyone! Attention

We represent the Popoular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Che Guevara Group, Gaza Brigade.

We are now in complete control of this flight. I am your new commander.

What should we do?

This plane is renamed Haifa.

You are our prisoners.

Follow our orders and no one will be killed.

Panic, and you'll all be killed.

Everyone, put your hands on top of your head.

On top of your head, like this!

You heard! Put your hands on top of your head!

Your hand on top your head!

Up! Hands up!

Stewardess, take that seat!

I don't like her voice. - Neither do I but I think we better do what they want us to do.

Don't talk! Do what you're told.

She sounds gross.

I'll do the navigating, Captain.

You'll have no knowledge of our destination until I give you the final instructions.

You may be violating international airspace. - You just do as I tell you.

Do anything foolish and we'll all be blown up. I have nothing to lose.

My only concern is for my passengers and the crew.

Good. Now, turn off the autopilot.

I'll give you a new heading.

, Turn to 181. Do it!

Everyone will move to the rear of the plane. You will go as I tell you.

Start.

Put your hands on your head!

Okay.

Okay. This way! This way!

Okay.

Quickly!

Put your hands on your head!

Alright next go!

You.

Go ahead.

This way!

You, get to the back of the plane!

This woman is sick. - Don't speak!

This woman needs help. She's pregnant!

Stewardess, bring oxygen immediately!

Get moving. You, get moving to the back of the plane!

Go on.

Go on!

Let's go, hurry up. All the way to the back!

Air France Flight 139 originating in Tel Aviv with a stopover in Athens is delayed.

Attention! Attention!

No one should be standing in the aisle or sitting on the arms of the seats.

Men and boys, sit on the floor.

For your own safety everyone should be seated!

You may take your hands off your heads.

Those people sitting by the window pull the windows shades down immediately.

You're damn right something's not kosher! Air France has a sign up in Paris "Delayed"!

No! No! No Our own people haven't had a recognizable transmission in over an hour!

But worst of all I, the Minister of Transportation, State of Israel

can't tell our friends the French to tell us one word about what's going on!

Upset? You're damn right I'm upset!

Have we heard from our Ambassador at Athens? - He is on vacation at Eilat .

Any word from the embassy? -We haven't been able to get them on the phone.

Have the Greeks been contacted? - They have no information.

Well, does General Gur know what's going on? - He's on maneuvers in the Sinai.

Did anything strange happen at Athens? - The security guards were on strike.

Do we have anything definite? - Nothing.

Whate are the possibilities? Crash? Radio failure? Hijacking? - We dont know.

How many Israelis aboard? - Usually that flight is full.

Any word from the French? - Not a thing

Alright, I want a meeting of the Crisis Committee immediately. Ask General Gur to join us please.

What is going on? We know that flight 139 left Athens on time.

Now, if you don't want a riot out there, you better give us some information. My father Mr. Joseph Blatte is on that plane Now, where is it? Where is the plane?.

Please Mr. Blatte, sit down. - I want information! - Please.

We have just been authorized to make an announcement. We had to convey the news to President d'Estaing first

And he's in Puerto Rico with President Ford for the conference.

I don't give a damn about the government! Where is the plane?

They have been hijacked by Palestinian terrorists.

Oh my God...

This is a French plane and the French National Airline.

France will be responsible for all the passengers no matter what their nationality.

Make that known.

Charles... - Yes?

How many Israelis are on the flight? - About one hundred.

That's a problem.

Attention! Attention!

We're about to land, for your safety...brace yourselves Quiet!

Quiet!

Hold on to something. Do not look out the windows. Keep the window shades down.

We're now placing explosives at all the exits.

If there's any trouble we'll blow up the aircraft and everyone in it.

If only they were at least human enough to let us know where we are!

We can't leave. We can't leave the door.

They may blow up the plane.

I don't believe them for a moment. They wouldn't dream of blowing up everybody in this aeroplane. That's ridiculous. How is that advantage to them?

Just be calm. Just be very calm and that's the way you win. - My dear man..I am calm.

Well, that's very good because I know these people. They like to get you very excited...

Do we have some medical aid?

Who's sick? - Mrs. Bennett. She's 7 months pregnant and she's haemorraging. - Where's she? - Over there.

Step inside. Step back.

Any other problem, Mr. Spokesman? - My name is Daniel Cooper.

Mr. Cooper, be very careful.

Being a spokesman makes you very obvious. On this trip this may not be too healthy.

Well?

The plane has landed in Libya.

The French say they will take responsibility. - A lot of good that will do now.

It's no surprise they've landed in Libya.

Palestinians. - Do you think they'll stay in Libya?

Ah, they'll move. They always have before.

Which way? - Probably this way.

You mean Israel? - No, I do not but Israel is a possibility.

Would be a spectacular ploy - There's something on your mind Motta ?

Yes. I have a feeling that this time it's something different.

Like what? - Like this time they may have us.

Well Alice, how old are you? - Twelve.

And where did you guys come from? - Athens, my father's working there.

I see. And where're you going? - California. - Oh, that's a beautiful city.

Do you live there? -Yeah.

It's nice there, isn't it? - Yeah.

Mrs. Bennett is on her way to the hospital. - Mmh. Thank you.

We are not uncivilized, Mr. Cooper.

Oh! Then why are you doing this to us?

We're revolutionaries and we are involved with all the revolutionary movements throughout the world.

These people are not government leaders. They're just ordinary citizens. Why harm them?

I don't do this to harm anyone.

This is a political act. We want justice for the Palestinians.

Justice... With a gun?

Sit down Mr. Cooper.

Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for us to get acquainted.

Number 15 and number 38 will be passing flight bags amongst you.

You'll introduce yourselves by dropping your passports, health certificates and all your identity papers right into them.

We'll also collect your cameras.

My camera is in first class. - So is my passport.

I seem to be having difficulty finding my passport, I must have lost it.

Just a minute, I see it!

Can you imagine what it must be like in Tel Aviv?

What about Paris? We've been sitting here six hours. What must be happening at that airport?

In a crazy sort of way it's easier to be here. Well, we know where we are.

We know what's gonna happen to us just soon as it happens.

I'm just glad we're together. I couldn't stand it if I were at home and you were all here.

Mom, I'm starved. - They're all out of food darling, you'll have to wait.

Attention please! Attention!

That's your commander speaking. Wake up! Please wake up!

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you for your cooperation while we were on the ground.

I hope it'll continue for the rest of our journey.

This will be our final leg. Thank you - Where are we going?

Hello?

When did they take off?

Where are they going?

Not possible, Sadat gave his assurance to the French.

Then it's Africa.

Somewhere in Africa.

Thank you. Goodnight.

How far from home do you think we are?

We must be 1500 miles from Libya, maybe 2000 miles from home.

Which direction? - I don't know.

What a hell of a way to spend a honeymoon.

Contact the tower, Captain. I'll give you our instructions.

So far so good.

Attention please! We've just reached our final destination.

You are in the hands of an International Revolutionary Movement. We have done this to punish the French

who sold Mirage aircraft and a nuclear reactor to the fascist Israeli-

and to avenge the murder of innocent Palestinians throughout the world

by the bloodthirsty, imperialist state of Israel.

Obey our insructions. Keep the shades down until you're told otherwise.

Violations will be severely punished.

Pass them please.

Thank you very much. Would you also be kind enough to release our passports please? - Maybe later.

Pass them please.

Excuse me, where are we? - Entebbe in Uganda.

What language do they speak here? - English and Swahili.

English, that's very helpful.

Will we be released here? - Very soon, I hope.

So do I.

Didn't I tell you? Nothing to worry about. If you stay calm, things work out.

Ah, Uganda... Who figured on that? - Unfortunately for us, it was a brilliant idea.

They're getting a lot of experience at our expense.

Afraid the woman they released said the leader was German.

So..what have you got on your files on Palestinian terrorists with German accents? - That's Dan Shomron's department.

If you find out who the German is, we'll send in the cable "Come home, all is forgiven."

Yosef! Get me Dan Shomron!

I've never felt so hot.

Yeah..well, it's the equator. - The equator...

You know my friend? It is nine hours...

Do you realize we've been here for nine hours, no food, no water?

They've run out of everything. -It's inhumane.

My poor wife, what she must be thinking?

Attention please!

Attention!

Ladies and gentlemen, we've left Athens exactly 24 hours ago.

Now the bad dream is over at last.

Let's go.

Excuse me.

If we are free, what are those soldiers doing out there?

What are you up to?

I don't know yet, Mr. Cooper. What happens now, It's up to Israel.

Israel?

What's Israel got to do with this?

You led these people to believe that they were free, that they were going home. What kind of an animal are you?

Look, I'm very tired and a little confused.

I don't wanna to kill you Mr. Cooper. I wanna be civilized.

So just get off the plane with the other passengers. Please.

I'm so hungry! I just want to eat something.

Keep moving, Captain.

UGANDA WELCOMES YOU

If we do business with these murderers, we've sold our birthright as a nation.

If they get away with it, every Israeli who ever travels abroad would be in danger of his life.

This is an international problem. It is an act of piracy.

These terrorists are murderers, nothing more, nothing less!

Every time I try to get this meeting to look at thefacts, somebody makes a speech. - He's right.

Now, let's examine the alternatives.

Motta, can the army get them out?

As it stands, no. - Why?

What do you want me to say? First of all that's an enormous distance. - With no friends in between.

We know the airport, don't we? An Israeli company built it. - We used to. Since we broke with Uganda, it's been changed completely.

What about intelligence? - That takes too long. What we need is precise information.

Do you have any idea how many troops, how many planes, how much fuel it takes to fly from here to Uganda?

Eliminate the resistance, secure the airport, report the expedition with 240 people added. - It has to be done.

And then refuel and fly 2500 miles back.

Motta, those 240 people are not all Israelis.

That's right, non-Israelis could get killed.

Which could mean severe international repercussions.

What about Amin? Is he with them? - I say yes. He must be.

They could not fly 2000 miles south for the climate.

Our policy is never to negotiate with terrorists, If we have no alternatives.

Uganda is only part of the problem.

If you don't move decisively in this crisis, it would be political suicide.

It's not about politics. It's a matter of life and death!

In this instance, you cannot seperate them. We must find a course of action.

Action which also dangerous. Innocent people will die.

Yigal is right. Now we must understand the situation more clearly then we can decide how to deal with it.

Well, that takes time. We must move decisively now! Now!

Move decisively against what? A phantom? Didn't you hear what the military said?

We just don't know enough.

Our country is stunned by this atrocity.

Yitzhak, this hijacking is like being invaded. That's why we have to fight back!

And if we fail, what do we do? Do we just tip our hats to the hostages and say goodbye?

Oh, come on! Let's talk about a realistic courses of action.

We must keep the pressure up on the French. It's a French plane.

Yes, but it's the Israelis the hijackers are after. So, get ready.

Alright. Now we all know it's our job to free all these hostages

And we're not going to sacrifice more Israeli lives to do it so-

If the military comes to us and says they have a plan that works,

If they come to us, we will examine it.

In the meantime, we must have a second course of action. We must, through the French-

discuss, offer, counteroffer and keep the price down.

But we'll bring these people home and we'll bring them home alive.

Whatever it takes.

Well, we could get Bar-Lev to call Amin on the telephone. They're still good friends.

Do you feel like you've been here before?

Maybe we have.

Voices are the same, only the faces are different.

Nazis. I know them, the Nazis!

It's this terrible wait!

You'll be alright Mrs. Loeb.

It's just this waiting for what we don't know...

We were in Zagreb, my father and myself.

My father died in that station waiting to be freed.

But these are different times Mrs. Loeb. - What's different?

Look at us all here, it's the same thing. What's different?

Look, you people are lucky. You're travelling with me.

I'm a specialist at getting out of dangerous places.

I survived the concentration camps. I've been in all of Israel's wars.

I've faced death many times. This is nothing!

Now cheer up, Eli Melnick is here. Nothing bad can happen.

See, that wasn't too hard.

What about that?

Thunderbolt. - Operation Thunderbolt. That's it!

Look at this. I thought it was our policy not to negotiate with terrorists.

Negotiation may be the only solution.

It's unthinkable to let the killers out of jail! - Look, nothing has been decided.

They wanna bring the hostages back safe. They don't want another Munich.

They didn't run Munich. This one we can handle.

I know. But nobody is going any place or doing anything until Rabin and the cabinet are absolutely sure that we're ready.

We'll be ready.

Everybody stay where you are! Sit down!

Sit down! Don't move!

Company, halt!

Left column right! Right column left!

For those of you who do not know me, I'm Field Marshall, President for life, Dr Idi Amin Dada-

the ruler of Uganda.

I want to welcome you all to Uganda.

I shall do everything within my power to make your stay a pleasant one here here.

I have arranged with the Palestinians...

to to have you removed from the plane to these more comfortable surroundings.

I will provide food and other needs the best way possible.

I want to conclude this whole episode quickly.

The Palestinians are fair and just people.

I myself in visiting Damascus saw how well they treat the Jews there.

I went to a synagogue...

So make yourself comfortable here!

But please..this is very important This is very important -

Do not try to escape.

Do not try to escape.

As the Palestinians have wired explosives all around the building.

This is very important.

In the meantime, look at me as your host.

I shall arrange for your release as soon as possible.

Look at Uganda as your home!

Shalom! Shalom!

Shalom! - Excuse me, Mr President...

I'm Captain Bacos, I am the pilot of the Airbus.

These are my passengers and my responsibility.

Nothing has been told to us why we are being held here.

We are French Airline. We have nothing to do with the Palestinians.

Captain, it's so good to meet you. It's always good to meet a fellow pilot.

I want you to enjoy your stay here in Uganda.

Attention! Attention, everybody!

Stop talking.

Ugandan radio has just broadcast our demands for the release-

of 53 revolutionary heros-

being held in jails in France, Germany, Switzerland and especially Israel.

We have informed the French that if they are not returned to us by Thursday noon

their plane and all passengers will be eliminated.

If the murderous Israelis do not comply-

all of you, all of you, no matter where you come from, will die.

Thursday noon is a deadline.

Let's go! - Would you step to the other side of the room!

Get going!

Now! Move!

Attention! When I call your names, go gather your belongigns together. You are to report to us.

Only those people whose names I call will come to the table.

Aaron, Esther. Aaron, Benjamin. Aaron, David.

Come on.

Aluf, Edi.

Darin, Nathan. Goldbaum, Nathan.

Scharf, Israel.

Ben-Menachem... - Step up to the table!

Ben-Menachem, Henri!

Sign your name.

Rosen, Uri.

Go over there, line up against the wall.

Cooper, Daniel.

They're only calling Jews.

Sager, Joseph.

Sign your name.

Join the others.

Chadi, Moshe.

Where are you going? - I don't know.

Gershoni, David. Gershoni, Dina.

There must be a mistake. My name isn't here. - Well, you sign. What's your name?

Julie Darin, I'm his wife.

You're not on the list. You don't have an Israeli passport. Step back.

No, no, I'll stay with him. - Step back.

Wait! Please, let me talk to her. Please.

Next!

I don't care what he says! I don't care what... - Julie, shut up!

These people are not playing games. - I wanna to be with you.

What do you want me for? - Just sign your name and join the others.

No, I'm not going anywhere.

Was that necessary? - Next time I'll kill you!

Now is not the time.

I'll be alright.

You just take care of yourself.

Liebmann, Sharon... - Over there. Step up, sign your name.

Rozovsky, Shoshana.

Sala, Ami.

Gabrieli, Shimon. Gabrieli, Miryam.

Ben Ami, Johan... Step up.

Don't touch me!

I'll go, but don't touch me!

That was how it started, like Auschwitz the last time.

First calling out their names, now we wait.

Never expected this.

I've never wanted to kill anyone in my whole life before this.

What do you suppose they're going to do with all of us? - Your guess is as good as mine.

Well, the French have exerted all the pressure they can. There's nothing more they can do.

Now they want to know if we are prepared

to enter into the negotiations for the exchange of prisoners that we are holding in our jails.

Swiss, French, Germans are prepared to give in to their demands.

We haven't much choice. The deadline is tomorrow.

What do I tell the French? - Tell them yes, we will negotiate.

We need more time.

We wait til the last possible moment before we accept any of their terms.

But then of course, there is the other problem.

How will Amin react to all this?

Amin...

This is the most publicity he's ever had in his life.

Maybe he'll never want it to stop.

Hello! Hello! Hello!

I hope you all are well...

I am happy to announce

that I have arranged for the releasing of 47 of the women, children, the aged and the infirmed.

I am releasing these people immediately-

as a gesture of my good faith in negotiating.

Now when you get to Paris, give this message to your government Tell them-

the Palestinians only want a little piece of land of their own!

The Palestinians do not want to kill anybody!

The Palestinians only want one thing, and this is very important:

Peace.

I am sorry for your inconvenience-

I do hope the Palestinians demands are met -

before the Israeli government forces them to use explosives on you.

I go now to negotiate your release and your safety.

Shalom! Shalom!

One thing...

and this is very important.

You must continue to be careful

as the Palestinians have wired this place with explosives.

I will see you soon. Shalom! Shalom! Byebye!

The key is surprise.

We go from here to the terminal with such speed that the terrorists won't have time to react.

First I have to get you in there.

We have to fly undetected for 2500 miles - km without being discovered -

to an airport we know very little about and land in the dark.

Not easy. - If anybody can do it, Benny, you can.

Where do we get the gas to come home? We're working on it.

Maybe we got a friend left in Africa.

Then I'll get you in there, but you realize that while our planes are on the ground, they're like sitting ducks.

Don't worry, we'll protect them.

Well, we got less than a day to get ready. Tomorrow is the deadline.

Wanda!

Have you seen my grandmother Hilda Blatte?

Daniel Cooper? Anybody..Daniel?

He is well! - Is he here?

He is with the Israelis. -What do you mean?

Well, they seperated the Israelis. -Seperated the Israelis?

They'll kill them! They'll kill them!

Negotiate now! Negotiate now!

My three brothers are on that plane!

I don't give a damn about your principles!

We want action, not idle words!

Rabin is a coward. Let him tell us to our faces he's gonna let our families be murdered!

I sympathize with all of you, but please listen to me!

You select a delegation of five and the Prime Minister will meet with you.

Negotiate now! - Please the government is as concerned as you are...

Concerned? There is only one way to deal with this. You must negotiate now!

Please Mr. Prime Minister? We are worried, is there time?

Yes, I believe there is time. But whatever happens, I want you to understand the consequences for this victory for the terrorists.

I don't give a damn about the terrorists!

I want as much as you do that all of our people are brought home safely to their families

But when these 40 terrorist murderers are exchanged, it won't be a cause for celebration.

It will be a day of mourning for Israel.

Well, thank you friends. - Thank you, Mr Prime Minister.

Wake up, wake up everybody! Wake up! Stay where you are!

If Amin comes in, stay close to him. - Why - To get in a picture with him. - What for?

If they see you in the news, it'll be harder for them to make you disappear. It's an insurance policy - Good, good, good

Good news! Good news!

I have gotten the Palestinians to agree to extend the deadline on negotiations for three more days

until Sunday, July 4th.

Negotiations have failed up to now because of Israeli stubbornness

but I continue to try.

I go now to Mauritius to the Organization of African Unity

to take up the plight of the Israeli hostages.

You all know I want to help them-

but there position is very dangerous unless the Israeli government accepts the terms of the Palestinians.

I'm even using the offices of my good Israeli friend Colonel Bar-Lev to help them.

I beg your pardon, President Amin...

Madam, what do you do? -Do?

I'm just a grandmother but I...

I am His Excellency El Hadji-

Field Marshal Dr. Idi Amin Dada-

order of the Victoria Cross, SOMC

Ruler of the state of Uganda.

And appointed by God almighty to be your Savior.

I wouldn't doubt it for a moment.

I think you Israelis should compose a letter to your government

Tell your government to accept the terms of the Palestinians.

I think you should do this by tonight. This is very important.

Then we can all have a party and you can go home!

It is better than having the Palestinians blowing you all up.

You see, the Israeli government is gambling with your lives.

I go to shape your destinies and save your lives.

Shalom. Shalom.

Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to tell you...

I have arranged for the releasing of the remaining non-Israeli hostages.

I think there are about a hundred of you?

Alright, alright. Shalom, shalom!

I want you to be good, okay? Don't get into any trouble now. Come on.

Be good.

Will you be okay? - Take care of him for me.

Don't let him get cold or anything. - I'll take care of him. Don't worry.

I'll write you when I get home.

Captain. You and your crew may board the plane to Paris now.

Thank you, but we are staying.

Look, I'm not holding you any longer. - Yes, but you are still holding 100 of my passengers.

As long as there is the slightest doubt about their safety, our responsibility is here with them. Not in Paris.

Come on.

Come on! -No!

Move!

Quiet please. Quiet!

You may now move back here to the main room. It'll be more comfortable. Lots of space for everybody. Please.

It was good on Dr. Amin to postpone the deadline till Sunday.

Mr. Cooper, we're in charge of this operation, not Amin.

If you think so.

They have released every non-Israeli. Now it's clear it's them against us..

They are arrogant. They let hostages go, they change deadlines. They feel safe with the distance.

The released hostages have provided us with valuable hard intelligence.

And they've increased their demands. They've added more names to the list of terrorist prisoners they want released -

and $5 million in ransom for the aeroplane.

And they have reduced the number of hostages to 100. And that helps us.

The Palestinians threaten to blow up themselves and the hostages if any rescue attempt is made.

Ah, they never have before. - It's still a threat!

Is your military plan complete? - Not yet, but we are progressing. The extension helps us.

How long Motta? - We're close Yitzhak. A few hours.

Alright, we'll buy you some time.

Continue to negotiate.

Get Bar-Lev to call Amin again. Keep him happy.

Afterall Mr President, you are the ruler in your country

You have it in your power to free these people.

Don't you wanna go in history as a great man?

Colonel, I want you to know you're my friend for all time. No matter what happens, you're my friend for all times

I am prepared to make peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Tell this to your government.

We appreciate everything you're doing for our people, but many of the Palestinian terrorists demands are totally unreasonable.

- Can you help us? - If your government accepts the Palestinians' demands immediately.

If not, they'll kill the hostages and blow up the plane.

Mr. President...

If you want to be a great and holy man and go down in history-

and perhaps even receive the Nobel Prize

you must free these people.

Think of what an opportunity this is -

to prove to the whole world what a great statesman you are.

Yes. How are you my old friend? It's a long time not seeing you..

And your wife, is she with you in Tel Aviv?

We're fine.

Listen! Don't be influenced by the Palestinians.

I am not being influenced by the Palestinians! I make my own decisions!

I am doing everything I can to save these lives of the Israeli

but my position is extremely difficult and you must be realizing this. The whole world must be realizing this!

Mr President, I thimk you're a great soldier. I think you have it in your power

to prevent much bloodshed.

The Palestinians have no right to be doing what they are doing in the territory of your country!

Are you telling me I should shoot the terrorists?

Well, you're granting them protection. They're living in Uganda as if they're in a resort.

This is not true!

Come, visit. Come and see for yourself. They are living with the hostages.

If we take any action, the lives of the hostages are in danger.

I want peace for the Palestinians. Bar-Lev, my old friend, you can help your people very much. Tell your government

they must not practice this Zionist fascist politics!

Mr. President, Mr President...

I'm not saying that you...

Give my regards to your family-

Tell your government they are tempting fate. Shalom! Shalom Bar-Lev.

Shalom!

Well, you heard that gentlemen.

The leader of a country has become the spokesman for terrorist murderers.

And never before, as far as I know, has a National Army been used to aid International piracy.

But none of our choices are easy.

But we must make a choice!

And the military option is our best choice.

The plan has not been fully tested but it represents a reasonable risk.

Ben Shomron who is responsible for the plan will present it to us.

The plan that we've settled on may seem risky, but it's based on our experience with fighting terrorists.

Operation Thunderbolt is divided into three stages.

The first stage involves the movement of troops from Israel to Uganda.

By flying this course at extremely low altitudes, we can avoid contact

with most radar installations.

If they should pick us up in this area,

there's a good chance we can pass as commercial air traffic.

We will be in the air for seven hours and our final approach will be made over Lake Victoria.

"Therefore, Mr. Prime Minister" -

"we, the hostages at Entebbe request that the Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails be released immediately" -

"in exchange for our safe return to Israel. Dr. Amin has been helpful..."

Tear it up. Tear it up. That letter, it reeks of collaboration.

What's the difference? It'll make the "President for life" happy.

The letter is important. This episode has put Uganda on the map.

Amin has made the front pages. He would like nothing better than to keep his face there for as long as possible.

And it is my guess there might be a struggle for power between Amin and the terrorists.

He is moving in. We are the prize.

Besides, we must do anything we can to keep the dialogue going between us and them. That is important.

This letter is appeasement! - May keep us alive a little longer.

Send the letter.

Send the letter.

What about refueling for the return trip?

We'll take our own fuel pumps, use the Ugandan fuel dump.

That's dangerous, we'll be too long on the ground.

We're waiting to hear from Kenya about the refueling.

Until that's certain, the plan is too risky.

How do you propose to handle the Ugandan troops if they try to stop you?

We'll not go into Entebbe to fight Ugandans. We are going there to save Israeli lives.

The Ugandans who try to stop us, we neutralize.

The tactical aircraft will be the C-130 that has the maneuverability and the range for this kind of operation.

In addition to the 130s, we'll fly two 707s. One of them will be set up for medical services and the other for communications.

Peled will handle the communications on the 707 which will remain aloft during the operation.

Before we finish, there's one more matter we have to discuss. The secrecy.

The operation will probably take place during the Sabbath.

Now, any unusual military activity on Friday night and Saturday, and we might as well send the cable to terrorists.

Every single person involved is responsible.

No one who is not in the operation can know anything about the plan.

That even goes for my own wife. - Especially your wife, Motta.

What is the next step?

Gotta put it together. Troops, equipment, everything. Then try it out. -How long will that take?

Logistically, we're set. Dan will run the exercise tonight, I will observe.

Alright, the committe will wait for your report, but if the military plan is not feasible

We must be ready to exchange the prisoners tomorrow. Thank you.

The meeting is adjourned

Intelligence informs us they will begin killing hostages on Sunday.

They string us up.

Then why are we debating the military plan? Let them go! - Because it is not perfect.

Yitzhak, that's a joke! Here you are concerned with perfection and we don't have a choice!

There'll be 200 of our best people on those planes. I damn well do have a choice!

We're wasting time. We must be there before Sunday!

All the carryings-on this week, the crowds, the parties, the street ruckus were merely a frenetic prelude

- to what happened today. A six mile tall ships Parade of Sail headed for New York.

Betty Rollin, NBC News. Newport, Rhode Island.

Here's the situation in what's turning out to be the year's most spectacular hijack story.

101 hostages released today were flown to Paris -

- but another 110 are still being held at the airport at Entebbe,

- Uganda, about 85 of them Israeli nationals.

The Palestinian hijackers with some non-Arab accomplices now say they will execute the hostages on Sunday

- unless their demands are met.

Those demands include the release from jail in various countries of 53 people who make up a kind of who's who in terrorism -

- Most of these are in Israeli jails.

And to everyone's surprise, the Israelis today reversed their normal policy and agreed to negotiate with the hijackers.

Steve Delaney reports from Israel.

The pressure on the Israeli government was tremendous, especially from within the country.

Relatives of the Israeli hostages held an emotional meeting with government representatives this morning

- They didn't care that Israel has a basic policy of not dealing with terrorists.

They cared only that their friends and family were in trouble and they wanted action from their government.

Later in the morning they stormed the government compound overwhelming military police

-in an effort to get out Prime Minister Rabin and tell him what they thought.

But by that time, though the demonstrators didn't know it, the government had already agreed to open indirect negotiations with the hijackers.

The difference of opinion in Israel is not over whether the hostages should be released but over whether releasing terrorists from jail here is too high a price to pay for it.

Tonight, a special series of prayers began at the Western Wall and at most synagogues

-prayers which expressed the hope that the government made the right decision on the negotiations-

-and that the Israeli and Jewish hostages will indeed come out of Uganda safely.

Steve Delaney, NBC News, Israel.

Motta, we're wasting time.

This mission needs to go now to pull itself together!

Rabin will wait to the last minute. - He'll break this country's back with his deliberations.

Weighing every possibility. -Does he have the guts to let us go?

Guts is not his problem. This job is..

In the end, circumstances will overtake him He'll have to let us go.

- Shalom. - Shalom.

Now, it must be obvious to you that while we're negotiating for the release of the hostages, we're considering a military option.

We have a plan that is being prepared but before anything is done, I would like you as the leader of the opposition to give your approval.

What I don't understand is why you've waited so long.

I've always been a more cautious man than you.

Can you act quickly enough now? - Our plan is a bold one.

What will be the cost of lives? - Could be expensive.

And has it ever been any other way?

And yet everytime we've gone to negotiating table, Israel lost.

Then I can count on you? - Of course. You have my support.

- Shalom. - Shalom

Come in!

Well, Colonel Netanyahu.

General Shomron informs me you'll lead the assault forces on Operation Thunderbolt. - Yes

Good luck.

Yoni, on this mission I think we should use only marksmen. The highest rated from each unit.

Right. I'll build around the nucleus of Matkal Sayeret special forces - Good - And I'll augment with the Golani brigade.

Don't mix them up too much. It's better to have men who know each other.

I'll start with Sammy Berg. - Sammy Berg? - Okay? - Alright.

Sammy!

Where are you going? - Ah, I'm going out.

What do you mean out? On the Sabbath? - I'm just gonna see some friends.

Who? - Friends, you know? From work. You don't know 'em actually.

I'm going fishing in the morning. - Have fun Sam.

Samuel... Be careful.

Dad...

What're you talking, "Be careful"? I'm going fishing here. - Don't fall in.

Thank you Eli. - I don't want to say I told you so, but what did I tell you?

Look who's sick. Look who's not sick.

At home I don't keep kosher but in Uganda, I keep kosher.

I don't eat their meat, I don't drink their milk. I feel terrific.

Mrs. Bloch, what's the matter?

Somebody help, she can't catch her breath!

Doctor! Quick! Hurry up, she can't catch her breath

What is it? What happened, Mrs. Bloch?

Put her down. - Relax darling, it's alright. Everything will be...

Get the doctor. Here. Here.

What is it?

Doctor? - Get her to my car right away.

They're going to help you. You'll be okay. It's okay

It's alright darling. - You'll be alright.

She has something in her throat. We got to get her to the hospital. - Alright.

Hold it right here!

Will you please hurry. Stay with her.

Get back everybody. Get back!

I said everybody step back! Get away from the door! Back!

These people are sick. They need help. Can't you do something?

Mr. Cooper, I can't do anything until I get word that all my brothers are released..

What if your brothers are not released?

Look, Israel will never let you die.

My country does not bargain with criminals.

In a small country like yours, everybody is related.

Everybody is somebody's uncle, aunt, cousin. Right?

They'll exchange for you.

Or...

Maybe your government doesn't take our deadline seriously?

On Sunday, when Israel forces us to kill the first hostage...

... then they'll know we're serious.

The key to the three-pronged attack

is the first column's ability to reach the terminal with the element of surprise still intact

Because seconds can mean the difference between a successful mission

and the slaughter of the hostages.

Inside the terminal, no matter what the provocation, do not use your hand grenades.

Rely on your weapon. Fire short bursts.

And once control is established, hold your fire to a minimum.

Now, that's all.

In one hour we'll have a dress rehearsal.

Yoni will answer any questions.

Sammy? - This is a lot like the Sabena rescue at the Tel Aviv airport.

Now as I see it, the problem will be identifying the hijackers from the hostages instantly.

Right. So we've prepared identikits on each of the terrorists -

The data comes from over 100 debriefings that intelligence ran on the freed hostages in Paris

and from our agents in Entebbe.

Study these faces carefully. Get to know them by reflex. The terrorists must be recognized instantly.

If they have time to turn on the hostages, our whole mission will be a disaster. - Yah

What if the terrorists are positioned so that we can't avoid firing across the hostages?

If we are successful, the hostages will be as surprised as the terrorists.

We must tell them what to do so pick your words that will communicate quickly and clearly.

We want them on the floor as soon as possible.

But to answer your question directly...

The decision whether to fire or not will be yours.

Just remember that one terrorist can take the whole operation with him.

Yoni... - Yah

Should we take any of the terrorists alive?

It would be nice.

I'd like to have them, but our concern is with saving the hostages.

Remember, these terrorists are killers, they will try to kill the hostages -

so your first shots must be accurate.

Why don't we all take a break before the run-through.

Alright...

Come in low over the lake and do one of your famous assault landings here.

It's only a model. - It could happen.

Gur.

Alright then. Bring her down when you're ready.

Over.

Ten seconds.

Drop it.

Push it! Push the damn thing!

Go!

That's it!

How did we do?

We just killed 100 hostages.

Unless everyone penetrates the terminal at exactly the same instant, it will be a disaster.

We'll run it again. Alright, back.

On the double!

Well? - It's much better.

What about these MIGs? One of them gets loose, we never get out of Uganda.

We know.

Well done, Dan. But can we afford to stay on the ground for an hour?

60 minutes is excellent time, but then I think we can cut it down to 55 minutes.

Based on what you saw, shouldn't Rabin be told we're absolutely ready?

Patience, Benny. We must be sure we can answer all the questions.

Yoni, what is your estimate of casualties? - From 30 to 35.

So, what do we do?

30 to 35 if we go. 100 if we do nothing.

Gentlemen if you want me, I'll be with the Prime Minister.

55 minutes... Let's run it through again.

Well done!

If this thing works, I'll kiss Amin's foot. - It went well. - If you mean it didn't take too long. - Speed is important

Speed, right. But when all those men run into the terminal. it'll be the biggest noise to hit Africa since the elephant stampede. - Now listen.. - Sam is right. - No, but what..

- Goodbye surprise. - The surprise will be gone

We need to hit the terminal with less men.

Are you sure, Motta? - Nothing sure, Yitzhak.

Well, how long will the whole thing take? - 55 minutes.

And if something goes wrong?

In the meanwhile, negotiations have come to a standstill. Everything we asked for, they turned down.

When I suggest we make it a condition that the prisoners are exchanged in Tunis, Paris, Cyprus, they turn it down.

They insist that it be done in Uganda.

Impossible! The Palestinians cannot control Amin.

Even if the terrorists wanted to make the exchange, and we were to fly there

but the plane, the crew and all the hostages could end up in Amin's pocket.

Well?

The Kenyans will allow us to refuel.

Now...now, we're ready.

Given the present mood of the country If the-

rescue mission is a catastrophe, Israel may not survive.

And yet we have no choice.

Yitzhak, my people are waiting.

Unless we act now, lack of time will make the decision for us.

Alright, begin Operation Thunderbolt. We will present it to the cabinet for approval in the morning.

But remember, unless we get full approval, we will call those planes back.

Go!

From the moment you land in Entebbe, everything you say will be transmitted back to the war room in Tel Aviv.

They'll all be listening. Careful what you say. - I will.

Can I have your attention, Please? Can I have your attention?

What you've been asked to do is important for the State of Israel.

I know that each one of you will do your best.

Thank you. Good luck!

Alright, everybody get ready. Takeoff in 5 minutes.

Do you have new weather reports? -Yes Benny. - Any problems?

Let's go!

Take off.

If we believe in freedom, then there must come a point when we must act in defense of it no matter what the consequnces otherwise

we diminish ourselves and we lose all moral claim to be a government.

But we have planned a military option, Operation Thunderbolt.

which is now in motion.

You've done this without informing us?!

Wait!

I will take full responsibility for this action.

I object! I object!! This is a democratic... We should have been informed

Mr. Rasner!

What would you do Mr. Rasner? Make a move? After all the hostages were dead?

It's outrageous! This is an international situation. You're precipitating a war, do you realize that?

Alright. Out.

Any word?

They're still debating.

We have a small army travelling south and they're still debating!

It's crazy. - That's democracy.

We can get the gasoline in Kenya. The crisis committee is behind it.

How many times must I...?

There's no more time for talk. We must decide now!

We have seen too many of our people murdered.

Right now there are 100 men, women and children trapped in Uganda!

And unless we agree, those planes will be forced to turn back in under ten minutes!

Now, you must vote! Now!

B2 to Z1, I'm reading you.

Benny, it's coming through.

Get me Apple 1 on the discrete frequency Zebra. - Yes, Benny.

I want to be the one to tell them.

Thanks, Benny.

Can I have your attention please.

Operation Thunderbolt is a go. Unanimous.

Hey Sammy, listen.

"And then the night was shattered, a wounded beast in pain."

"One blow, it reeled and fell."

"Oh sky, strike him again."

It's nice.

What's the score on that soccer game between Argentina...?

It's cooling off.

Good night.

What about here? -Yes.

Yah, yah, for you it's easy.

What's this one?... Five two.

Okay.

Oh God...

That's it? - Yes, Ben.

It's a long flight.

Too much time to think. I'm used to getting in the battle quickly.

What are you thinking about? The mission.

I was thinking about my father.

He teaches history at Cornell. - New York...

He would be surprised if he knew what you were doing. - I think he knows already.

Anyone who knows us knows we wouldn't just wait.

How do you feel? - We're ready, so I feel good.

What color? What color? - Black eyes and black hair. - Right. Moustache.

What color? - Brown hair and green eyes.

She's got German, that kind of tough.

If you just look at the eyes Just there... - Green.

Do you wanna see that at night? Yuck!

You think you'd recognize him if he came right through that door? - Sure.

What if he was carrying a gun? - Well, I'd shoot him.

What if he was surrounded by 50 women and children?

We wouldn't miss.

They're over Nairobi, flying on the Lake Victoria.

What's their ETA? - Approximmately 30 minutes.

Where are we? Where are we? - Darkest Africa.

Where are we? - We should be over Lake Victoria.

Lake Victoria?

I'd love to drop down there, pull out a big fish and bring it home to my papa.

Oh boy, would he be surprised.

Crazy. Crazy.

Yes...

David, did you hear? Begin jamming ground radar at Entebbe.

Prepare for landing.

They should be here.

They will maintain radio silence until they hit the ground.

Runway lights just went on, an indication of movement on the ground.

If there is, it's nothing big.

We have to break radio silence.

Put me on discrete frequency to the war room.

B2 to A4. B2 to A4. Do you read me?

Runway lights just went on. Anything I should know about? any reports from Entebbe? Any problems?

B4! B4! Response, negative.

Negative response.

Should we move to Cloudburst Alternate? Cloudburst Alternate? Do you read me?

Continue Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt Operative.

Contact Hippo 1. Tell them to take aim.

B2 to Hippo 1. B2 to Hippo 1, do you read me?

Proceed with landing operation.

I repeat, proceed with landing operation.

Remember, hold your fire until we hit the terminal.

Speed. Silence. Complete surprise.

Touchdown.

Inform the United States, Great Britain and France of Operation Thunderbolt.

Let's go!

Listen.

Amin is back.

Everybody down, we're Israelis. Everybody down!

We are Israelis, stay down!

Down. Stay down. Get on the floor!

- The Israelis are here! Down on the floor!

Get down!

Don't anybody move or I'll kill you!

Get down! Stay down! Everybody down!

Stay on the floor, everybody!

It will be alright.

Eli!

Eli?

Eli...

Dan! Dan, Do you hear me? - Stop shouting, I can hear you.

Main terminal is secure, send medics.

Ready, move in Hippo 1 to the terminal! Benny...

Dan, I'm bringing in with Hippo 2 and 3. They're monitoring no interference. All clear. Do you read me?

It's alright everybody. Come.

Get your thing together.

It's alright.

Mrs. Loeb? Mrs. Loeb?

Oh no, Mrs. Loeb!

We have a plane outside.

We're going to take you home!

Those of you who are sick and need help, we'll take care of you on the aeroplane. We have doctors on the aeroplane

It's a miracle!

Get your stuff together, we'll be leaving soon!

Excuse me young man. You can't leave without Mrs. Bloch. - Well, Who is she?

She is one of our passengers. She is in the hospital.

Well, we can't wait for her. She'll be alright. They'll take good care of her. Don't worry about her. She'll be okay

Dan, can you hear me?

Seven terrorists accounted for. We are ready to move out.

Yoram, come in. Blow the MIGs.

Alright Rody, move H1 into position.

Yoni, get them on board and get out of here fast.

Let's go! Come on, let's go.

Rudy, hold H1! Hold H1

Dan here. - Aron reporting from north gate. Ugandan reinforcements approaching!

North gate! Yoni, stay put. There's trouble at the north gate.

Motta, they must stop the Ugandan reinforcements. They could be an army out there! - Yitzhak, let me handle it.

Put me on Channel 220.

Ugandan reinforcements approaching the north gate.

Two trucks.

Let them go! Let them go!

Fire!

Dan? Dan? The perimeter is secure.

Alright Rody, move in the positions.

Yoni, get them on board and get them out of here as fast as you can.

Hurry up. Come on!

It's all over now. Very quickly.

Careful. - Yonatan, I'm so proud!

Walk very quickly!

Yoni, they're all loaded. Let's go!

We did it!

Yoni is hit!

Yoni is hit. Rody, Yoni's hit! As soon as he's on board, take off!

Yurom. Yurom, come in. K1 is in the clear.

We did it, Yoni.

We did it. We're on our way home.

Good.

I can't feel my feet.

General!

Great job Dan. - Thanks.

Dan... - Yes.

Yoni is dead.

Before the raid on Entebbe, the British consul visited Dora Bloch at the hospital in Uganda.

She was recovering.

After the raid, the consul went back to visit her. No one could tell him of her whereabouts.

Her bed was empty. She has never been heard from again.

Subtitles corrected by: Desaad