In 1974 , Sayeret Matkal suffered a heavy blow when a failed rescue attempt resulted in the Ma'alot massacre . The debacle led to the creation of the Yamam to deal with domestic counter-terrorism/hostage-rescue missions , while Sayeret Matkal would focus on foreign counter-terrorism/hostage-rescue . Two years later , on the 4th of July 1976 , came the most famous mission of the unit , when it spearheaded Operation Entebbe to rescue hostages held in Uganda by at least six Palestinians and two German terrorists supported by regular Ugandan soldiers . The mission was a resounding success , although there were 3 hostages killed , as well as the commander of the Unit , Lieutenant Colonel Yonatan Netanyahu
Ma'alot massacre
Ma'alot massacre
Sayeret Matkal