50 years later, Israel declassifies 'Operation Entebbe' files
The Israel State Archives on Friday released thousands of pages of previously classified documents detailing the Israeli government’s deliberations during the 1976 Entebbe hostage crisis, marking the 50th anniversary of the operation that rescued 102…
Assessment
The declassification of Operation Entebbe files on its 50th anniversary opens a rare window into Israeli decision making during a hostage crisis that ended with a military rescue in a hostile country. The documents include cabinet protocols, audio recordings, and diplomatic correspondence that were previously sealed. Researchers and the public can now examine the internal debates and intelligence assessments that shaped the operation. The release may also prompt renewed discussion about the risks and trade offs involved in hostage negotiations versus military action.