Units like Sayeret Matkal led legendary missions like Operation Entebbe and Sabena Flight 571.
By Hezy Laing
Israel’s elite military units are among the most respected and secretive in the world, known for their precision, daring operations, and rigorous selection processes.
These units often operate behind enemy lines, attacking enemy forces, sabotaging enemy infrastructure and freeing Israeli hostages.
Here’s a breakdown of the most elite units in the IDF.
Israel’s Ten Top-Tier Special Forces Units
Sayeret Matkal (Army Intelligence) Strategic reconnaissance, hostage rescue, deep infiltration
Shayetet 13 (Navy) Maritime counter-terrorism, sabotage, sea-to-land incursions
Shaldag (Air Force) Forward air control, special reconnaissance, target designation
Unit 669 (Air Force) Combat search and rescue, medevac, extraction missions
Yamam (Border Police) Civilian counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, urban CQB
Duvdevan (Army) Undercover operations in Judea, Samaria & Gaza, urban counter-terrorism, disguise tactics
Maglan (Army) Behind-enemy-lines missions, anti-tank warfare, classified tech ops
Egoz (Army) Guerrilla warfare, counter-insurgency, ambush tactics
Yahalom (Engineering Corps) Explosive ordnance disposal, tunnel warfare, sabotage
Oketz (Army) K-9 unit for bomb detection, tracking, and apprehension
In addition, every army brigade has its own elite unit called a “Sayeret” for performing the most dangerous missions of each brigade.
This includes Sayeret Golani, Sayeret Tzanchanim (paratroops), Sayeret Givati and others.
What Makes Them Elite?
Selection Process: Grueling tryouts (gibbushim) that test physical endurance, psychological resilience, and tactical aptitude.
Training: Up to 2+ years of specialized training in navigation, combat, intelligence, and survival.
Secrecy: Many missions remain classified for decades; operators rarely speak publicly.
Legacy: Units like Sayeret Matkal led legendary missions like Operation Entebbe and Sabena Flight 571.
