The unit is globally recognized for its precision, courage, and commitment to life-saving excellence.
Hezy Laing
Unit 669 is one of IDF’s most elite and revered special operations units, specializing in Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).
Established in 1974 in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War, the unit was created to address the urgent need for rapid extraction of wounded soldiers and downed pilots from hostile territory.
Over the decades, it has evolved into a multi-domain rescue force capable of operating in air, land, and sea environments under extreme conditions.
The unit’s motto, “That he may live,” reflects its singular mission: saving lives in the most dangerous and complex scenarios.
Unit 669 is trained to infiltrate deep behind enemy lines, stabilize casualties under fire, and extract them using helicopters, drones, or ground vehicles.
Members undergo one of the IDF’s most grueling selection processes, which includes advanced combat training, parachuting, navigation, and medical rescue.
Many operatives are also certified combat medics, capable of performing life-saving procedures in the field.
Unit 669 works closely with the Israeli Air Force, often deploying via Yas’ur (CH-53) and Black Hawk helicopters.
Their operations range from battlefield extractions in Gaza and Lebanon to international humanitarian missions in disaster zones like Nepal and Turkey.
Despite its secrecy, the unit is globally recognized for its precision, courage, and commitment to life-saving excellence.
Greatest Feats
One of Unit 669’s most celebrated missions occurred during the 2006 Second Lebanon War, when operatives rescued wounded soldiers under heavy fire near Bint Jbeil, Lebanon.
The extraction was executed with surgical precision despite intense enemy resistance.
In 2015, Unit 669 led a daring rescue of Israeli hikers trapped in the Himalayas following a devastating earthquake.
Operating at high altitude with limited oxygen, the team evacuated dozens of civilians, earning international praise.
During the October 7, 2023 Hamas invasion, Unit 669 played a critical role in extracting wounded civilians and soldiers from besieged communities like Kfar Aza and Be’eri.
Their rapid response under fire saved lives and helped stabilize the front during Israel’s darkest hour.
Unit 669 remains a symbol of Israel’s unwavering commitment to protect life—even in the heart of war.
