Yoni Netanyahu, one of Israel’s bravest and most respected soldiers, was born on March 13, 1946, in New York City.
He moved to Israel with his family at a young age. Growing up alongside his younger brother, Benjamin Netanyahu, who later became Israel’s prime minister, Yoni’s heart always belonged to the Holy Land, despite spending some years in the United States.
After graduating from high school, Yoni joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where he quickly became a platoon commander in the Paratroopers Brigade during the Six Day War in 1967.
His battalion played a significant role in battles in the Sinai and Golan Heights. After completing his service, Yoni studied at Harvard University and Hebrew University but returned to the IDF in 1969.
Yoni joined Sayeret Matkal, an elite Israeli special forces unit, where he rose to become the deputy commander.
In the early 1970s, he led a successful operation to capture Syrian officers for an exchange of Israeli prisoners. Yoni also played an important role during the Yom Kippur War, rescuing a lieutenant colonel behind enemy lines.
Tragically, Yoni was killed during Operation Entebbe on July 4, 1976, in Uganda. This mission aimed to rescue over 100 Israeli and Jewish hostages who had been hijacked by Palestinian and German terrorists.
Yoni was leading an assault unit when he was shot by Ugandan soldiers loyal to the country’s dictator, Idi Amin. Despite the mission’s success in rescuing the hostages, Yoni was the only Israeli soldier to lose his life during the operation.
His death was deeply mourned in Israel, with a funeral attended by many top officials and citizens. In his honor, the operation was named “Mivtsa Yonatan,” and the Jonathan Institute was established in 1979 to fight terrorism.
Israeli leaders, including Shimon Peres and his brother Benjamin Netanyahu, praised Yoni’s courage and leadership, recognizing him as a symbol of Israel’s strength and resilience. His legacy continues to inspire Israel and the world.