Israel Just Might Have the Best Special Forces On Planet Earth

Key Points and Summary – Tracing their lineage to the WWII-era Palmach, Israeli Special Forces are regarded as some of the most “elite and experienced” warriors in the world due to a constant operational tempo.

-This profile details the IDF’s top-tier units, including the Sayeret Matkal (famous for the Entebbe raid), the naval commandos of Shayetet 13, and the forward air controllers of Shaldag.

Merkava Tank. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

-It also highlights the “Mista’arvim”—specialized undercover units like Yamas and Duvdevan—who use disguise and stealth to infiltrate Arab areas for counter-terrorism and intelligence missions.

How Good Are Israel’s Special Forces?

Israeli special forces are considered among the world’s most elite and experienced due to their continuous operational tempo and proven track record in a wide variety of high-risk missions. They are highly regarded for their innovation, intense training, and success in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue. 

Israeli Special Forces can trace their lineage to the Palmach during World War II.  The British, along with the Jewish defense organization, the Haganah, created a commando force of scouts and raiders, the “Palmach” (an acronym for “Striking Companies”). 

Companies of the Palmach were used as reconnaissance units during the British invasion of Vichy Lebanon in 1942. After the end of the war, the Palmach became illegal and went underground to fight as a guerrilla force against both the British forces and Palestinian Arabs. The Palmach units were later merged into the IDF in 1948.

Merkava Tank from Israel

Merkava Tank Firing. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

Extensive Combat Experience

Due to Israel’s ongoing security challenges, its special forces units see a tremendous amount of real-world action, providing them with experience often on par with, or in some periods exceeding, that of their counterparts in larger nations like the U.S. and the U.K.

The selection process for top-tier units is exceptionally rigorous, testing physical and psychological resilience under extreme stress. Only the best candidates are chosen, often from a pool of highly motivated conscripts and volunteers.

Israeli special forces are known for developing innovative tactics and technologies, which often filter down to the rest of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Each unit has a specific, highly refined function, from deep reconnaissance to underwater missions and undercover operations. 

Israeli Special Forces Units

Sayeret Matkal (“The Unit”): The IDF’s primary special reconnaissance and field intelligence-gathering unit, modeled after the British SAS and considered Israel’s equivalent to the U.S. Delta Force. It is famous for high-profile operations like the 1976 Operation Entebbe hostage rescue in Uganda.

Several years ago, I contacted Iddo Netanyahu, a member of “The Unit,” through a mutual friend, to get an accurate accounting of the raid on Entebbe, as conflicting stories had come out, some of which discounted the leader of the raid, Netanyahu’s brother, who was killed on the raid. 

We spent countless hours on the phone, and his expertise and detailed knowledge of the operation were incredible.

Shayetet 13 (“Flotilla 13”): The naval commando unit specializing in sea-to-land incursions, maritime counter-terrorism, and underwater sabotage. It is often compared to the U.S. Navy SEALs and Britain’s Special Boat Service.

Mista’arvim: Mista’arvim are the undercover counter-terrorism units that are assigned to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli Border Police, and Israeli Police units. 

They are specifically identified, selected, trained, and operate among the Arab population. Their primary missions are performing intelligence gathering, law enforcement, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism. They use stealth and disguise as their primary means of accomplishing their mission. 

The specially trained Mista’arvim units are tasked with working undercover in Arab areas, thanks to their ability to assimilate into Arab cities and towns.

Known Mista’avrim Units: 

-Ya’mas – also spelled Yamas

-The elite undercover counter-terrorism unit of the Israel Border Police.

-Operates in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem 

-Many Ethiopian immigrants have been recruited by Yamas, as well as others who could openly pose as Sudanese and other North African migrants.

-Missions include domestic hostage-rescue operations.

-Offensive hit-and-run raids against targets in civilian areas.

-Conduct SWAT operations

-Undercover police investigations and intelligence gathering.

-VIP protection.

-Covert operations targeting organized crime

Duvdevan (Unit 217)

The unit is part of the “Oz” 89th Commando Brigade (a Special Operations brigade). Duvdevan operators undergo their basic training in the Paratroopers Brigade. The unit’s missions are very similar to the Yamas police unit.

-Dundevan units operate independently and can run multiple operations simultaneously.

-The unit is recognized only by its identity number (Unit 217), and Duvdevan is its nickname.

-Trained in human and mechanical counter-surveillance.

-Missions include- Infiltration, Targeted killings (assassinations), Ambushes, Kidnappings, Urban warfare operations.

Gideonim (Unit 33)

Unit Gideonim (Unit 33) is the Israeli Police’s (IP) own Special Operations, intelligence-oriented, undercover unit. The unit was formed in 1994 to conduct Counter-Terror (CT) intelligence gathering in the East Jerusalem region, as well as to fight organized crime in the area. The unit is located in East Jerusalem at a classified location.

There was a contentious relationship with Ya’mas since they both competed for funding. Initially tasked strictly with intelligence gathering for the police, the unit soon began training and conducting counter-terrorist (CT) operations as another means of securing additional budget. 

-Mission includes Counter-terrorism, Organized crime, and intelligence gathering

-Operates both inside and outside of Israeli borders

-A change in leadership led the unit to become more involved in police-type operations since 1998.

Shaldag (Unit 5101): The Israeli Air Force’s commando unit, specializing in forward air control, target designation, and aerial reconnaissance far behind enemy lines.

Unit 5101, more commonly known as Shaldag, is one of the premier Israeli Air Force Sayeret units. The unit is part of the 7th Special Air Forces Wing and is based at Palmachim Air Base.

According to the IDF, “In 1991, Shaldag took part in the airlift of Ethiopian Jews to Israel in Operation Solomon. In the 1990s, it took part in many activities in Lebanon, including Operation Accountability in 1993 and Operation Grapes of Wrath in 1996.

During the Second Lebanon War, Shaldag operated deep inside Lebanon and carried out critical missions against Hezbollah.

According to Muki Betser, the unit’s founder, the unit’s name, translated as “kingfisher,” derives from the similarity between its operations and the bird’s nature.

Overall, Israeli special forces are considered among the highest-tier global special operations capabilities.

About the Author: Steve Balestrieri 

Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.