Who Is Yonatan Netanyahu? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Yonatan Netanyahu was born on March 13, 1946, in Jerusalem, Israel. He was a renowned Israeli military officer and the older brother of Benjamin Netanyahu, the former Prime Minister of Israel. Tragically, Yonatan was killed in action during Operation Entebbe in 1976, while leading a successful mission to rescue hostages taken by terrorists. At the time of his passing, he was only 30 years old. Although he is no longer alive, his legacy endures, inspiring many within the military and beyond.
| Occupation | Service |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 13, 1946 |
| Age | 30 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, US |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Uganda |
| Date of death | 4 July, 1976 |
| Died Place | Entebbe, Uganda |
Popularity
Yonatan Netanyahu's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact figures regarding Yonatan Netanyahu's height and weight are not extensively documented, he was known to have a strong athletic build typical of military personnel. His physical attributes played an essential role in his capabilities as a soldier and officer in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of his last known relationships, Yonatan Netanyahu was single at the time of his death and had no known wife or girlfriend. He had a strong bond with his family, particularly with his younger brother Benjamin and their parents, which influenced his military career and values. His legacy lives on through his family's contributions to Israeli society and politics.
Netanyahu married his long-time girlfriend Tirza "Tuti" Goodman on August 17, 1967. Shortly after their wedding, they flew to the U.S., where Netanyahu enrolled at Harvard University. He took classes in philosophy and mathematics, excelling in both, and was on the Dean's List at the end of his first year.
However, feeling restless at being away from Israel, especially with Israel skirmishing against Egypt during the War of Attrition, he transferred to Jerusalem's Hebrew University in 1968. In early 1969, he left his studies and returned to the army.
His father described those decisions, saying "He was dreaming of resuming his studies and planned to do so time and again. Yet he always conditioned his return to Harvard on the relaxation of the military tensions."
Net Worth and Salary
Given that Yonatan Netanyahu passed away in 1976, it is difficult to ascertain a contemporary net worth or salary. However, he is often remembered for his valor and patriotism rather than financial accomplishments. The Netanyahu family, especially through Benjamin’s political career, has accumulated significant wealth and influence in Israel.
To Pay the Price is a play by Peter-Adrian Cohen based in part on Netanyahu's letters. The play, produced by North Carolina's Theatre Or, opened off Broadway in New York in June 2009 during the Festival of Jewish Theater and Ideas. The play had been scheduled to run at the New Repertory Theatre company near Boston, Massachusetts.
The run was canceled after pressure by the Netanyahu family, because the theater was intending to run the play as a companion piece to My Name Is Rachel Corrie.
Career, Business, and Investments
Yonatan Netanyahu served as a commander in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit of the IDF and participated in various critical missions. His leadership during Operation Entebbe is what solidified his reputation as a courageous and strategic thinker. His military service remains a subject of study and admiration, influencing generations of soldiers in Israel.
After graduating high school, Netanyahu joined the Israeli Defense Forces in 1964. He volunteered to serve in the Paratroopers Brigade, and excelled in the Officer Training Course. He was eventually given command of a paratroopers company.
Social Network
As a historical figure, Yonatan Netanyahu does not have active social media profiles. However, his memory is preserved through various documentaries, books, and public commemorations. The family's political stature, particularly that of Benjamin Netanyahu, keeps Yonatan's legacy alive within public discourse.
The documentary film Follow Me, released in May 2012, is based on Netanyahu's life story and his final mission, leading the successful rescue of Israeli hostages at Entebbe, at the cost of his life. The narration during the film uses transcripts from his personal letters and other spoken words.
Education
Yonatan Netanyahu was educated at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he pursued his interests in history and social sciences. His education significantly influenced his worldview and military strategies, underpinning his decisions during his service in the IDF.
After serving in the Israeli military during the Six-Day War, he briefly attended Harvard University before transferring to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1968; soon thereafter, he left his studies and returned to military service in Israel.
He joined Sayeret Matkal in the early 1970s and was awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service for his conduct in the Yom Kippur War. After his death, Operation Entebbe was renamed "Operation Yonatan" in his honor.
