Israel's fifth Brigade recently held a significant ground force drill, marking a historic event. This event was the anniversary of the Sabena Flight 571 hijacking, which took place on May 8, 1972. The incident involved four terrorists from the Black September group. They took control of a plane traveling from Vienna to Lod, demanding the release of over 300 Palestinians from Israeli prisons. This was a tense moment in history, with 90 hostages on board.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the drill. He was part of the elite Matkal unit that carried out the daring rescue operation. Netanyahu shared his memories of the event, recalling the bravery and determination of the soldiers. He noted that the spirit seen in the recent drill was the same as during the 1972 operation. This spirit is crucial for the soldiers and commanders, uniting them towards a common goal.

The prime minister had strong words for Hamas. He warned that the rules were about to change. This change would come from the strength and spirit of the Israeli army. Netanyahu believes that defeating Hamas and releasing the hostages would have a significant impact. It would not only change the situation in the immediate area but also influence the entire Middle East.

The Sabena Flight 571 hijacking was a critical moment. After the plane was hijacked, Captain Reginald Levy sent distress signals to Israel. The Defense Ministry received these signals and began planning a rescue operation. The plane made an emergency landing at Lod airport, where negotiations began. Former defense minister Moshe Dayan led these talks while secretly planning the rescue.

Israeli agents played a clever trick. They sabotaged the plane, making the terrorists think there was a technical issue. This allowed Captain Levy to meet with Israeli negotiators. He provided detailed information about the situation on the plane, including the terrorists' lack of control over the emergency exits. Dayan then convinced the terrorists that technicians would repair the plane, buying time for the rescue operation.

The rescue mission was a success. A team of 16 Sayeret Matkal commandos, led by former prime minister Ehud Barak, approached the plane disguised as mechanics. They stormed the plane, killing two male hijackers and capturing the two female hijackers. All 90 passengers were rescued safely. This operation showcased the skill and bravery of the Israeli commandos, setting a precedent for future rescue missions.

The anniversary of the Sabena Flight 571 hijacking is a reminder of the bravery and determination of the Israeli army. The recent drill and Netanyahu's participation highlight the ongoing importance of this spirit. It is a spirit that continues to guide the army in facing new challenges. The successful rescue of the hostages in 1972 is a testament to the effectiveness of this spirit. It is a spirit that will continue to shape the future of the Middle East.

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