Netanyahu lauds Trump's 'brave' Iran gambit as commandos rescue 'seriously wounded' US colonel
JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, April 5, praised President Donald J Trump following the rescue of a US Air Force officer from inside Iran, calling the operation a significant military achievement.
The statement came after US officials confirmed that a “seriously wounded” officer was extracted from the Zagros Mountains after being stranded for more than a day.
“Congratulations, President Trump. All Israelis rejoice in the incredible rescue of a brave American pilot by America's dauntless warriors,” Netanyahu said in a recorded address. He linked the mission to Israel’s long-standing military doctrine of recovering personnel under hostile conditions.
The rescue followed the downing of an F-15E Strike Eagle during operations in southwest Iran, triggering an intensive multi-day search-and-rescue effort.
Benjamin Netanyahu compares US rescue to Entebbe mission
Benjamin Netanyahu to Trump: “Donald, my dear friend, once again your decisive leadership brought another great victory to America.” pic.twitter.com/SvOTV8II2V
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 5, 2026
Netanyahu drew a comparison between the US operation and Israel’s 1976 Entebbe mission, referencing past rescue efforts carried out under high-risk conditions.
He described the latest mission as part of a broader tradition among allied forces of conducting complex extractions in hostile territory.
US officials have not publicly detailed the full scope of the operation, but President Trump described it as one of the most complex rescue efforts undertaken during the current conflict.
The recovered officer, identified as a Weapons Systems Officer, reportedly evaded capture for over 30 hours in mountainous terrain before being located.
Extraction mission faced resistance in contested airspace
🚨 Footage from southwest Iran shows the site where U.S. forces deliberately destroyed two stranded MC-130J Commando II aircraft during the successful rescue of the downed F-15E crew member.
— Dear Patriot (@Dear_Patriot) April 5, 2026
The planes got stuck on a remote makeshift strip deep in hostile territory. Instead of… pic.twitter.com/6dHpiIINrN
According to defense sources, the operation involved multiple aircraft and special operations units deployed into contested airspace. Reports indicate that US forces encountered resistance during the extraction phase.
Two transport aircraft were reportedly disabled at a temporary landing zone and were later destroyed to prevent sensitive equipment from being recovered. Replacement aircraft were used to complete the evacuation.
US officials have not confirmed specific details regarding equipment losses. Iranian state media, however, reported casualties among local forces during the incident.
Rescued officer injured but returned to custody
President Trump stated that the rescued officer had sustained serious injuries but was back in US custody. Initial reports had described the officer as injured, with further details emerging after the extraction was completed.
The rescue followed an earlier operation in which the pilot of the same aircraft was recovered separately.
The White House has announced that Trump will address the mission in a scheduled briefing with military leadership, where additional operational details may be disclosed.
Hormuz ultimatum looms as 'deal' negotiations begin
The rescue operation unfolded alongside ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump said there is a “good chance” of reaching an agreement with Iran, while maintaining a deadline for reopening the waterway.
“If they don’t make a deal and fast,” Trump said, warning of further action if negotiations fail.
