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50 years since the hijacking of the Sabana plane: Revealing the events diary - minute by minute | Israel today

2022-05-19T13:27:41.708Z


The passenger plane of the Belgian airline Sabana, which took off on flight 571 from Brussels to Lod airport on May 8, 1972, was hijacked by terrorists from the "Black September" organization • The IDF archive in the Ministry of Defense reveals the dramatic moments


50 years after the hijacking of the Sabana plane, the IDF archives at the Ministry of Defense reveal the events log, which describes minute by minute the dramatic moments from the moment the hijacked plane landed in Israel until the operation to release the hostages.

The diary describes the chain of events of the abduction, word for word, as it took place in the control tower, to which Defense Minister Moshe Dayan, Transportation Minister Shimon Peres, Chief of Staff David Elazar (Dado) and the heads of the defense establishment gathered.

The passenger plane of the Belgian airline Sabena, which took off on flight 571 from Brussels to Lod Airport on May 8, 1972, was hijacked by terrorists from the "Black September" organization and landed at Lod Airport.

The hijackers demanded the release of 315 Palestinians who were imprisoned in Israeli prisons, and threatened to blow up the plane on its occupants.

A day later he was released in action by General Staff Reconnaissance fighters.

General Staff patrol with overalls after the takeover, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Ron Ilan) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

According to the operations diary, at the time of the abduction, Defense Minister Dayan was a helicopter from a tour of Sinai on his way to a cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.

When a notice was received of the abduction of Sabana and her landing in Lod, Dayan ordered a landing in Lod.

At 7:35 p.m.,

about two hours after the hijacked plane landed, Dayan instructed to plan to take air out of the plane's wheels.

At 19:40

, the head of the Armed Forces says: "They read the names of the detainees and continue to read until now, so far they have read 130 names."

At this point, Defense Minister Moshe Dayan instructs: "They said they had explosives and if they did not do what they wanted, they would be blown up and that no one would approach the plane. Regarding their request for the Red Cross - not to respond."

At 19:45

, Dayan has a conversation with the prime minister: "I assume you know the details so far," Dayan says.

"They read names of terrorists and that gives time. They said they have explosives and if they do not do what they want they will be blown up and no one will approach the plane. They read names and for now follow their instructions."

Outside the hijacked plane, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Ron Ilan) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

At 20:10

, Dayan says: "A message must be published on the radio. First of all, there is an Israeli public and we must not forget them. It is impossible for them to hear the words from Arab stations."

Five minutes later, the diaries document a discussion of the strategy for dealing with the problem.

Chief of Staff Dado: "What do we want - to take over or replace prisoners with prisoners?

I am against exchanges. "Dayan:" I would be willing to give them only a free exit!

"Do not give them any terrorists, do not let the Jews be harmed, otherwise they will fly to Syria."

At 20:30,

Dayan asks the kidnappers what they want to do with the terrorists?

"Answer: Fly them to Cairo."

And Dayan continues: "Keep talking wirelessly - ask what he will do with the passengers, how will they be returned?".

At the same time, Dayan instructed a GSS man to check if there were "anyone serious" in the lists provided by the terrorists.

Lt. Col. David (Dado) Elazar, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Eli Dori) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

The events diary records that the terrorists replied "A. want the whole list and will not submit any 3-4 main names. B. are willing to talk to a government representative. C. there should be no problem bringing them to Lod. Everyone is in Ramla prison, near the field. D. want refueling ".

At 21:15

, the prime minister was updated once more.

Dayan: "It turned out to the captain that the plane could not take off and we told them we had sent to bring mechanics. Then they would have to negotiate with us to move to another plane. We take another two hours until they are convinced. The captain explained the breakdowns "

Meanwhile, those present were informed of the progress of negotiations with the terrorists: "Under no circumstances will they agree to open the doors of the plane as long as the plane is in Lod. When I asked how the released terrorists would enter, they replied: It's red that everyone came to Cairo regularly. "

On the way to the release of the passengers, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Eli Dori) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

In another conversation between the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister, it was stated: "At the same time, Ahrela is negotiating with the kidnappers wirelessly. Our intention is not to involve the Red Cross in the negotiations ... In the meantime, our impression is that the kidnappers have no plan and will Are not the most serious guys.

We intend to make it clear to them that there is no chance that the plane will be able to take off on its own.

"There is an impression that the pilot is probably not particularly cooperating with them."

At 21:25

, the Minister of Defense (phone to Israel Lior): "In the meantime, things are not going badly. One thing must be ensured - that no one will give a word or message to anyone about what is happening" (not to the Belgians, not to the Red Cross or anyone else).

At 21:32

, the kidnappers' demands are accepted: "Send the prisoners according to the list on a special plane to Cairo; we will fly later with Sabana to Cairo.

When we know that everything worked properly, only then will we release the plane on all its passengers.

If it is difficult to recruit all the prisoners in a quick time - first go to the Ramla prison and get everyone on our list out immediately. "

"Hurry up, there are old people and children on the plane", Photo: IDF Spokesman (Eli Dori) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

At 22:10

the pilot announces that he has a complete hydraulic fault, asks a technician.

Dayan offers to make it clear to them that the plane will not be able to take off.

Dayan: "I suggest that we send them refueling now. It is desirable that they be found with less stress. For refueling purposes, ladders and tankers will be needed and there will be commotion around the plane, which can be exploited." 

At 22:25

, the pilot announces wirelessly: "We are ready to receive refueling, only on condition that they come with a white flag and do not try to do anything. The hijackers announce - if he does not approach this way, they will immediately blow up the plane."

Five minutes later the pilot announces: "The hijackers informed me of an explosive device aimed at an explosion for another hour. Everything must be sorted out within 60 minutes."

Shimon Peres, Photo: Photo: IDF Spokesman (Eli Dori) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

In response, the Minister of Defense instructed to announce wirelessly: "A. We will not be ready to refuel as long as there is a bomb with an activated mechanism. B. To make it finally clear to them that they cannot take off."

At 22:50

, one of the hijackers was heard on the wireless network.

"Captain Rafat is talking, asking them to come without anything, without a walkie-talkie."

In response, Dayan informs: "Victor Cohen - let him know that it will take time to organize a mechanic, it will take at least an hour ... Inform him that he needs to be brought from Tel Aviv.


Rafat responded:" I understand that you are doing procrastination. "

At 23:08

, the defense minister: "Warn wirelessly once more explicitly - the plane is unable to take off."

In response, the pilot replies: "We do not want to fly, but I am pressured to take off."

A ceremony at President Zalman Shazar's house for the participants in the operation.

Among others: Dado, Gandhi, Ehud Barak and Benjamin Netanyahu with his arm bandaged, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Ron Ilan) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

At 23:15

, Dayan had a conversation with the prime minister: "We spoke with the head of the hijackers. The pilot was named Levy. It is clear to them already now that there is a malfunction in the plane. We informed them that it will take quite some time to check the plane."


The pilot then asks his listeners "hurry up, there are old men and children on the plane", emphasizing: "Do not be wise to advise us, when you are sitting in the control tower and I am in the cockpit with guns and grenades threatening me".


In the following minutes, the pilot continues to send distress signals to Israel and says, among other things: "You have sentenced us all to death," "We have no choice but to try to take off again. We only have an hour. Turn off the power units near the plane. Send fuel. "The kidnappers are armed, and they mean business."

Ten minutes after midnight he announces: "I can not convince them to wait and be more patient. What about the fuel?".

At 01:25

the pilot announces: "They want us to start the engines and drive the plane to the terminal so that there the explosion will be bigger and more dangerous and will also destroy the control tower."

Victor Lafarat: "Has it been made clear to you that the plane is broken"?

Five minutes later Victor informs them: "You are free to fly, do as you please."

A ceremony at President Zalman Shazar's house for the participants in the operation, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Ron Ilan) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

At 01:50

 an internal discussion of those present is described in the minutes.

Among other things, it said: "We need to prepare a crew that will be ready to go inside to take control of the plane."

All in all, the decision is made "to plan an operation of occupation and takeover by force. We should inform them that we are making preparations for the repairs."

At 02:15

a message is given to the pilot that "they are going to take the tanker. Send a full repair team".

The pilot announces again that the door down in the cockpit is open.

At

02:20

, the chief of staff presents the defense minister with a plan to break into the plane, and asks for permission to break in by force. Ten minutes later, Dayan updates Prime Minister Meir again: "Dado proposed an act of force intrusion.

The overall operating conditions are good.

5 mechanics will come to replace the wheels.

The captain of the plane informed us that he had left the pilot's door open.

I can not guarantee it will end without casualties.

If they did not do so - it may be a missed opportunity.

Get rid of a break-in by force. "

At

02:30

, the chief of staff informs Brigadier General Lior: "I think they are a little tired, there is a chance to break in and take over the plane again. We will not be able to take over the plane during the day, it has to be done in the dark. The prime minister agrees to take action."

At

02:40

, the then Minister of Transportation, Shimon Peres, says: "I do not see room for action under these conditions, although I am sure that the other ministers with whom the proposals are currently being examined will approve them, but I will not veto it."

Peres offers Dayan to "talk to the prime minister again and inform her of his position," and the defense minister replies: "I do not!

But if you want to talk to Golda, on your behalf, you are free to do so. "Peres does decide to inform Prime Minister Meir of his opposition to the action.

At

03:25

, Dado informs the military secretary, Brigadier General Lior: "If you do not make a decision within 30 minutes - it will be too late, there will already be light."

The ceremony at the President's House, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Ron Ilan) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

At

03:50

, Dayan notes: "At the moment, I do not see any danger to the people on the plane. There is also no technical possibility to fly it. The first option - to overcome by force - and this too must be decided within 30 minutes - there is a fear of casualties. The Red Cross is negotiating. "Dayan hands over the phone to Dado, who continues the conversation with the prime minister and states that we will not be able to act during the day." If that is your position, we will try to continue negotiations.

At 04:00

Dayan instructs to disperse the forces around the plane towards first light.

At 06:50

, the Red Cross Commissioner, François Perez, returns from the plane.

"They seem very firm in their minds and stick to their goal. When I spoke to them they both aimed their guns at me, with each holding a grenade in his other hand. I was impressed by the visit that the situation was very serious and he was crying badly. , Update.

At 07:30

, the chief of staff says: "Our principle should be - to cuddle with them all day, so that we can act at night.

It is possible to attack during the day as well, provided that we can carry out the repair with 10 to 20 people and that everyone will be ours, so that when the signal is given, everyone jumps on the plane. "Dayan, for his part, says:" At this point I suggest continuing to carry them nervously.

Only when there is a real threat to the lives of the passengers will we also promise them treatment in the release of prisoners and then approach the action, day or night.

Therefore, we must be ready in the next hour for action to take over the plane by force. "

The ceremony at the President's House, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Ron Ilan) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

At 10:20 a.m.

Dayan says: "We are very careful not to use force in taking over the plane, because if one of them opens fire a holocaust could happen on the plane. We will use force only if we realize that it is very essential to save the people soldier on the plane."

At 11:15, Dayan updates again that "Perez has returned from the plane and says that the kidnappers only want the release of their prisoners," and announces that "the answer is no."

At 12:05

, Peres returns from the government hearing and announces: "The government agrees to release the four kidnappers. Make a decision not to release prisoners if action is needed - there is a permit to act."

At 12:15 the tower announces that Red Cross representatives got off the plane with Captain Levy and they approach the main building.

The sweaty and sloppy captain, unshaven and excited, enters the room accompanied by Red Cross men and is shoved by the defense minister, who comes out to meet him, at the door, and hands Dayan a handful of pink explosives, identified as TNT.

Of good quality.

At 12:25

the Minister of Defense: "I want to tell you ..." 12:25 - The pilot: (erupts) "I want to tell you that the situation is serious."

Defense Minister: "Let me talk, I'm here the general and you're just a captain."

The pilot: "I'm ready to swap roles with you right away, you'll be the captain of the plane, and I'm a general here ... Thank you, sorry we meet in such circumstances. The situation is desperate, there are two men among the hijackers. There are two young women, very fanatical, very nervous. They have two packages of explosives. My impression is that they are terribly "dedicated" to their purpose. They will not go home without doing the task. "My wife is with me on a trip to Tel Aviv. The kidnappers do not know about it. They must not know about it, they will not use her as a hostage."

At 13:00

Levy gets in touch and talks to the plane.

"I have a big promise. They agree to your demands and the release of the prisoners. Tell them they are preparing a plane that will take the prisoners to Cairo and I will return to the plane immediately."


Rafat responds: "What about repairing the plane?"

Levy: "They promised me to send food and technicians to repair the plane."

Rafat: "Well, thank you."

The kidnappers' trial, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Ron Ilan) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

At 13:10

a discussion of the action.

"Ehud (the commander of the operation) from Unit 269 and Uzi Dayan (Zohar's son) have a plan to attack the girls and grab them by the hands so that they will not be able to activate the explosives."

At 15:00

, the Minister of Defense goes up to the control tower to listen to communication with the plane and to maintain eye contact with what is happening around it.

The crowd is growing in the terminal hall.

At 15:20

, a message from the plane: "We will not allow food to be brought into the plane until the mechanics arrive."

Ten minutes later, the Israelis hand over to the kidnappers: "The mechanics set off. There are 17 people."

At 16:20

a report is received from the lookout - all the mechanics and their tools are under the plane.

At 16:23

Report from the lookout - Gandhi: The youth on the wings of the plane.

At that moment shots were heard from the plane, ambulances and fire trucks were instructed to get on the plane immediately.

Trial of the hijackers, Photo: IDF Spokesman (Ron Ilan) Courtesy of the IDF Archives at the Ministry of Defense

The most recent reports in the operations log are as follows:

At 16:24

people are seen jumping off the plane from the back door.

Moshe, Shimon, Shlomo Hillel and Arik gallop in a car to the plane.

The chief of staff and other commanders as mentioned in a second car.

At 16:30

Moshe finds Uzi who tells him about the operation.

He then talks to the uninjured terrorist (from Bethlehem), examines the two terrorists killed. Finds Captain Levy and invites him and his wife to dinner. He returns to the office and reports to the Prime Minister.

"Before leaving Lod, Moshe told the chief of staff that he would hold a press conference, give details - but not operative. Moshe does not want to attend the press conference."

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Source: israelhayom

All news articles on 2022-05-19

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