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Duvdevan Unit

The Duvdevan Unit (Hebrew: דובדבן, lit. 'cherry'; Unit 217) is an elite counter-terrorism force within the Israel Defense Forces' Commando Brigade, specializing in undercover operations known as mista'aravim, where soldiers disguise themselves as local Arabs to infiltrate, gather intelligence, and neutralize threats in densely populated Palestinian areas.^[1]^[2] Established in June 1986 to develop specialized tactics for combating terrorism in Judea and Samaria, the unit focuses on preventing attacks through arrests, targeted interventions, and disruption of militant networks amid ongoing security challenges.^[1] Its operators undergo rigorous training emphasizing cultural immersion, urban combat, and high-risk missions, enabling effective operations within hostile civilian environments.^[2] The unit has achieved notable successes, including key arrests during the 2015 terrorism wave—such as the perpetrators of attacks on the Henkin couple, Dafna Meir, and Rabbi Littman and his son—and received the Chief of Staff Citation in 2016 for its contributions.^[1] In recent years, Duvdevan has extended its activities to operations in Gaza during the 2023–2024 conflict against Hamas, eliminating terrorists and securing areas, while maintaining primary focus on West Bank counter-terrorism to thwart escalating threats.^[3]^[4]

History

Formation and Early Years (1986–1990)

The Duvdevan Unit, designated Unit 217 within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), was established in June 1986 under the Central Command to counter intensifying terrorist activities in the West Bank through innovative undercover combat methods.^[1] This formation addressed the inadequacy of standard IDF infantry units in handling low-intensity, urban-based threats, emphasizing infiltration, intelligence collection, and precise arrests in civilian environments.^[5] The decision stemmed from assessments that conventional patrols and checkpoints were insufficient against Palestinian militants operating amid local populations, particularly in areas like Nablus and surrounding refugee camps.^[6] Initially structured as a small regional commando team, Duvdevan recruited from elite IDF paratrooper and infantry battalions, prioritizing soldiers with linguistic skills in Arabic and cultural familiarity with Arab societies for effective disguise operations.^[1] Training in its formative phase focused on non-lethal takedowns, surveillance, and rapid extractions, with operators adopting Palestinian attire, dialects, and mannerisms to penetrate hostile territories undetected.^[7] By late 1986, the unit conducted preliminary missions to map terrorist networks and test operational protocols, laying groundwork for sustained counter-terrorism efficacy.^[8] The period through 1990 marked Duvdevan's adaptation amid rising unrest preceding and during the First Intifada's outbreak in December 1987, with early deployments targeting knife-wielding attackers and small-cell bombers in West Bank cities.^[9] These operations emphasized capture over confrontation to minimize civilian casualties and gather actionable intelligence, contributing to the neutralization of dozens of suspects in the unit's debut years.^[2] No fatalities were recorded among Duvdevan personnel from enemy action during this foundational era, underscoring the success of its stealth-oriented doctrine.^[10]

Operations During the First Intifada (1987–1993)

The Duvdevan Unit, established in 1986 as an undercover counter-terrorism force within the Israel Defense Forces, intensified its activities following the outbreak of the First Intifada in late 1987, a period marked by widespread Palestinian riots, stone-throwing attacks, and over 160 Israeli fatalities from violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.^[11] Operating primarily in the West Bank under the code name "Cherry," Duvdevan specialized in mista'arvim tactics, where soldiers disguised themselves as Arabs to infiltrate densely populated urban areas, conduct surveillance, and execute targeted arrests of militants coordinating ambushes and improvised explosive attacks.^[12] This approach allowed the unit to bypass the challenges faced by conventional IDF forces in riot-prone environments, focusing on precision operations to neutralize immediate threats without escalating into broader confrontations.^[11] Duvdevan's missions during this era emphasized the capture of wanted suspects linked to the uprising's leadership and support networks, including those involved in manufacturing and deploying weapons like Molotov cocktails and knives.^[10] The unit complemented a parallel Gaza-focused counterpart, Shimshon, in a strategy to dismantle localized terrorist cells through intelligence-driven raids, often coordinated with Shin Bet interrogations to yield further leads.^[13] Over the course of the Intifada, Duvdevan is reported to have arrested hundreds of such operatives, contributing to the degradation of operational capabilities among Palestinian factions amid the unrest that claimed thousands of lives on both sides.^[2] These efforts underscored the unit's role in maintaining security in contested territories, though operations occasionally drew criticism for their covert nature and potential for misidentification in chaotic settings.^[6]

Evolution Through the Oslo Period and Second Intifada (1993–2005)

During the Oslo Accords period, initiated by the Declaration of Principles signed on September 13, 1993, the Israel Defense Forces withdrew from significant portions of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, transferring control to the newly established Palestinian Authority. This shift necessitated an expansion of Duvdevan's operational mandate, as the unit adapted its mista'arvim (undercover Arab disguise) tactics to conduct surveillance, arrests, and intelligence gathering in urban areas now under PA jurisdiction, where overt military presence was restricted. Duvdevan's focus intensified on preempting terrorist activities amid rising incidents of attacks, including bus bombings and shootings, by infiltrating Palestinian population centers to identify and apprehend suspects involved in planning operations against Israeli targets.^[14] The eruption of the Second Intifada on September 28, 2000, following Ariel Sharon's visit to the Temple Mount, marked a dramatic escalation in Palestinian violence, characterized by over 1,000 suicide bombings and shootings that claimed more than 1,000 Israeli lives by 2005. Duvdevan responded with heightened activity, operating at peak capacity in West Bank cities and refugee camps to dismantle terrorist networks, often coordinating with Shin Bet intelligence for targeted raids. These missions frequently involved blending into local crowds to execute rapid arrests of high-value targets, contributing to the neutralization of bomb-making cells and weapon caches.^[6] A notable example occurred on February 27, 2002, when Duvdevan, under the command of Eyal Weiss, entered the Balata refugee camp near Nablus as part of Operation Masa Tzva'im, employing innovative "swarming" tactics—such as breaching walls to avoid open streets—to gather intelligence and disrupt militant infrastructure ahead of the larger Operation Defensive Shield launched on March 29, 2002. The two-day incursion yielded critical data on terrorist hideouts despite one IDF fatality from friendly fire. On April 15, 2002, Duvdevan operatives arrested Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti in Ramallah, a figure accused by Israeli authorities of orchestrating multiple attacks during the Intifada, significantly disrupting Tanzim operations. These actions exemplified Duvdevan's evolution into a pivotal force for surgical counter-terrorism amid widespread urban combat.^[15]^[16]

Post-Disengagement and Contemporary Operations (2005–Present)

Following Israel's disengagement from Gaza in August 2005, the Duvdevan Unit intensified undercover counter-terrorism activities in the West Bank, targeting Palestinian militants involved in planning attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces. Operations emphasized arrests and neutralizations in urban environments, such as the November 2005 raid in Kabatiya that prompted retaliatory mortar fire. The unit's tactics, involving disguises as Arabs, enabled penetration of hostile areas for intelligence gathering and direct action against terror infrastructure.^[17] In subsequent Gaza conflicts, Duvdevan contributed to ground operations, including Operation Protective Edge in July-August 2014, where Sgt. Maj. (res.) Omri Michaeli received a chief of staff citation for bravery during engagements in the Strip. The unit's expertise in densely populated zones proved valuable for close-quarters combat and targeted raids. During Operation Break the Wave in the West Bank starting March 2022, Duvdevan earned IDF commendations alongside other elite forces for disrupting terror networks and preventing attacks.^[18]^[19] On October 7, 2023, amid the Hamas invasion of southern Israel, Duvdevan commandos mobilized swiftly, sharing coordinates via WhatsApp groups to form ad-hoc teams that engaged and neutralized terrorists at multiple sites. In the ensuing war, the unit operated in Gaza, notably smashing through Hamas's Khan Yunis Brigade defenses in December 2023, though seven soldiers died in associated combat. Duvdevan forces reported limited direct encounters with militants during extended patrols in northern Gaza, highlighting the challenges of urban warfare amid extensive destruction. Casualties included Staff Sgt. Yona Betzalel Brief, who succumbed in November 2024 to wounds from October 7 while serving on the Gaza border.^[20]^[21]^[22]^[23] Contemporary West Bank missions continue to focus on preempting terrorism, as evidenced by a September 2025 operation in Nablus where Duvdevan soldiers killed a militant hurling concrete blocks during an arrest attempt. The unit maintains readiness for high-risk infiltrations, coordinating with intelligence to dismantle cells affiliated with groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.^[24]

Organization and Recruitment

Unit Structure and Integration with IDF

The Duvdevan Unit, officially designated Unit 217, operates as a specialized counter-terrorism component within the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) Commando Brigade, established as the 89th "Oz" Brigade in December 2015 to consolidate elite infantry and special operations forces.^[1]^[25] This integration enables Duvdevan to leverage the brigade's unified command structure for coordinated high-risk missions, including those alongside units like Egoz (Unit 621) and Maglan (Unit 212), while expanding beyond its original focus on Judea and Samaria to broader theaters such as Gaza and Lebanon.^[25] The unit's incorporation into the Commando Brigade marked a shift from its earlier direct subordination to the IDF's Central Command, enhancing interoperability with conventional forces during large-scale operations like joint raids with brigades such as Menashe or reserve battalions.^[26] Internally, Duvdevan's structure emphasizes small, agile teams optimized for urban infiltration and rapid response, though precise details on platoon or company breakdowns remain classified due to the unit's covert mandate.^[1] Established in June 1986 specifically to counter terrorism in civilian-dense environments, it maintains dual operational modes—overt combat and undercover mista'aravim tactics—reporting through the Commando Brigade's hierarchy to the IDF General Staff.^[1] This setup facilitates seamless integration with IDF regional commands, particularly Central Command for West Bank activities, where Duvdevan teams routinely embed within larger task forces involving infantry brigades, border police, and engineering units to execute arrests, neutralize threats, and dismantle infrastructure.^[26]^[19] Duvdevan's IDF integration underscores a doctrine of intelligence-led precision, with mandatory coordination alongside the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) for target validation and the IDF's Counter-Terrorism Warfare School for ongoing tactical refinement.^[1] In practice, this manifests in multi-unit operations, such as the 2022 citations awarded to Duvdevan for contributions to Operation Break the Wave, where it supported brigade-level efforts against Palestinian terrorist networks.^[19] The unit's adaptability within the IDF framework has proven critical during escalated threats, including the 2015 wave of attacks and post-October 7, 2023, Gaza operations, ensuring alignment with broader military objectives while preserving operational secrecy.^[1]^[27]

Selection Process

Candidates for the Duvdevan Unit must meet stringent pre-enlistment criteria, including a medical profile of 82 or higher, an intelligence score (Kaba) of 51 or above, and minimal vision impairments, while expressing explicit interest in combat service during recruitment assessments.^[28] The primary pathway involves volunteering for the Paratroopers Brigade gibush (tryout), a 2- to 3-day intensive evaluation conducted twice annually, featuring prolonged marches with heavy loads (up to 40-50 kg), obstacle navigation, physical endurance tests, and assessments of mental resilience under sleep deprivation and stress.^[29] ^[30] Outstanding performers in the Paratroopers gibush are flagged as "me'uter Duvdevan" (Duvdevan candidates) based on superior physical capability, team dynamics, and motivation, advancing to unit-specific screenings such as in-depth interviews, psychological evaluations, and tailored physical challenges focused on urban navigation and adaptability for undercover roles.^[30] ^[31] Only a fraction—typically those demonstrating exceptional discipline and operational potential—secure acceptance, reflecting the unit's emphasis on recruits suited for mista'arvim (undercover Arab disguise) tactics amid high-stakes counter-terrorism.^[32] Alternative entry routes exist for top candidates from other elite gibushim, such as those for Sayeret Matkal or Shayetet 13; high achievers not selected for those units may receive offers to join Duvdevan via Commando Brigade review.^[31] Post-enlistment transfers from compatible infantry brigades like Kfir are possible but rare, requiring equivalent tryouts.^[33] The overall process prioritizes verifiable aptitude over self-reported desire, with success rates remaining low due to the unit's operational demands.^[34]

Training Regimen

The training regimen for Duvdevan operators follows a stringent selection process via the Paratroopers Brigade and spans approximately 16 to 18 months, emphasizing physical endurance, tactical proficiency, and specialized undercover capabilities.^[2]^[7] Initial phases integrate with Paratroopers basic training, lasting about seven months and covering infantry fundamentals, airborne insertions, and combat conditioning to build foundational resilience.^[11] Advanced modules focus on counter-terrorism tactics, including urban navigation, intelligence gathering, and scenario-based simulations for high-risk engagements in densely populated areas.^[2]^[35] Operators undergo intensive hand-to-hand combat instruction in Krav Maga, alongside mastery of small arms, sniper rifles, and non-lethal tools suited for close-quarters arrests.^[7] A core element is the four-month Mista'arvim (undercover) specialization, which immerses recruits in Arabic language acquisition, cultural norms, behavioral psychology, and disguise techniques to enable seamless infiltration among Arab populations for surveillance and targeted operations.^[11] This includes practical drills in mimicking dialects, dress, mannerisms, and daily routines to evade detection.^[7] Final stages incorporate counter-surveillance training—both human intelligence evasion and technical countermeasures—culminating in unit-specific exercises that simulate real-world missions, such as rapid arrests or neutralizations under civilian cover.^[2]^[35] The regimen's intensity, with high attrition rates, ensures only those capable of operating autonomously in hostile urban environments advance, prioritizing operational secrecy and adaptability over standard infantry protocols.^[7]

Mission and Operational Tactics

Core Objectives in Counter-Terrorism

The Duvdevan Unit's primary objectives in counter-terrorism center on preempting attacks against Israeli civilians and forces through the disruption of terrorist infrastructure and the neutralization of active threats in densely populated urban areas of Judea and Samaria.^[1] Operating as an elite Mista'arvim force, the unit employs undercover infiltration to blend with local Arab populations, enabling the identification, arrest, and elimination of militants before they can execute operations such as stabbings, shootings, or bombings.^[5] This approach prioritizes intelligence-driven interventions to dismantle networks, including the apprehension of wanted individuals involved in planning and logistics, thereby reducing the operational capacity of groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.^[1] A key focus is the execution of targeted arrests and eliminations in high-risk zones, often coordinated with Shin Bet intelligence to address immediate threats. During the 2015 wave of terrorism, Duvdevan forces conducted numerous arrests, including those responsible for the murders of the Henkin couple on October 1, 2015, Dafna Meir on January 17, 2016, and Rabbi Nehemia Lavi and his son Yosef on October 31, 2015, contributing to the unit's Chief of Staff Citation awarded in October 2016 for its role in curbing attacks.^[1] Between 2003 and 2011, the unit apprehended a substantial number of wanted terrorists across operational stages, from managing mass riots to controlling areas used for attack planning during Operation Defensive Shield in 2002, where it earned a Chief of General Staff Commendation for securing terrorist hotspots.^[5] In contemporary operations, Duvdevan emphasizes the elimination of armed terrorists and the destruction of support elements like explosive devices and weapon caches to prevent escalation. Following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the unit refocused on West Bank missions, such as a January 2025 operation in Tulkarm's Nur al-Shams camp, where it eliminated over 10 militants—including a terror network leader—neutralized 20 explosive devices, and uncovered bomb-making labs, averaging 10 wanted terrorist arrests weekly to sustain threat reduction.^[3] These efforts extend to broader campaigns like Operation Brother's Keeper in June 2014, targeting kidnapping networks, and Operation Protective Edge in 2014, underscoring the unit's adaptability to evolving tactics such as suicide bombings and improvised explosives encountered since the First Intifada (1987–1993).^[5]

Undercover Methods and Disguise Techniques

The Duvdevan Unit, as part of Israel's mista'arvim ("Arabized") special operations framework, specializes in undercover infiltration tactics that enable operators to blend seamlessly into Palestinian urban environments for counter-terrorism missions. These methods prioritize deception through physical, behavioral, and vehicular camouflage to approach high-value targets undetected, often culminating in rapid arrests or neutralizations. Operators are trained to exploit local social dynamics, such as joining crowds or protests, to position themselves near suspects without arousing suspicion.^[36]^[37] Disguise techniques center on adopting authentic Arab civilian attire, including traditional garments like keffiyehs, scarves, or everyday Palestinian clothing, to mimic locals ranging from traders to youths. In documented operations, personnel have concealed their identities under balaclavas or by participating in simulated activities, such as stone-throwing during clashes, before revealing their roles to apprehend targets at close range. Behavioral immersion is critical, involving fluency in regional Arabic dialects, gestures, mannerisms, and cultural knowledge to sustain cover during prolonged interactions.^[38]^[39]^[6] Vehicular adaptations form a key element, with operators using modified civilian cars or trucks that resemble common Palestinian vehicles—often with hidden compartments for weapons or armor plating—to navigate checkpoints and populated areas incognito. These tactics have been employed in West Bank operations since the unit's inception, allowing Duvdevan teams to penetrate densely guarded zones by posing as merchants or ordinary commuters. Rigorous pre-mission rehearsals ensure synchronization, minimizing exposure risks in high-threat settings.^[11]^[40]^[7]

Coordination with Intelligence and Other Units

The Duvdevan Unit maintains close operational coordination with Israel's primary intelligence agency, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), which provides critical intelligence on terrorist targets, locations, and networks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This collaboration typically involves Shin Bet supplying real-time human and signals intelligence to guide Duvdevan's undercover insertions, enabling the unit to approach suspects disguised as locals for arrests or neutralizations without immediate detection. For instance, during counterterrorism raids in Jenin in early 2025, Duvdevan operatives worked alongside Shin Bet agents in joint actions to dismantle militant cells, as evidenced by operational footage showing integrated teams conducting arrests.^[3] Similarly, IDF operations supported by Shin Bet intelligence have frequently deployed Duvdevan for high-risk apprehensions, such as in Nablus in September 2025, where the unit neutralized a threat during a covert mission informed by prior Shin Bet data.^[24] This partnership extends to coordination with IDF military intelligence (Aman), which contributes broader strategic assessments, ensuring Duvdevan's tactics align with overarching threat evaluations.^[41] In addition to intelligence agencies, Duvdevan integrates with other IDF units and security forces for operational support, particularly during escalation phases requiring reinforced firepower or perimeter security. Joint efforts with brigades like the Menashe and Kfir have been documented in West Bank raids, where Duvdevan handles initial undercover penetration while regular infantry provides backup extraction and crowd control. For example, in July 2025 operations in the Menashe sector, Duvdevan collaborated with the brigade and Shin Bet to seize weapons and arrest suspects in Tubas, demonstrating seamless handoff from covert to overt phases.^[42] The unit also partners with elite counterparts such as the Egoz reconnaissance unit and Border Police Yamam for combined assaults on fortified terror infrastructures, as seen in the January 2025 "Iron Wall" operation involving multiple special forces to suppress militant activity in refugee camps.^[43] These inter-unit linkages emphasize Duvdevan's role as a tactical executor reliant on layered support, minimizing exposure while maximizing precision in urban counterterrorism environments.^[44]

Equipment and Armament

Standard Issue Gear for Undercover Roles

Duvdevan operators conducting undercover missions prioritize gear that facilitates seamless integration into civilian settings, primarily through disguises that replicate local Palestinian attire, including loose thobes, jackets, and keffiyehs to evade recognition in urban environments.^[40]^[45] This clothing is selected for its commonality in the West Bank, allowing operators to move freely as traders, laborers, or pedestrians without arousing suspicion during intelligence gathering or approach phases.^[46] Concealed personal defense items form the core of armament, typically limited to compact handguns such as 9mm pistols holstered under garments or in bags, enabling rapid draw if cover is compromised before full operational transition.^[47] Communication devices, often disguised as everyday cell phones or integrated into accessories, maintain coordination with support teams without visual cues of military affiliation.^[48] Minimal protective equipment is standard to preserve mobility and appearance, such as thin, flexible ballistic panels worn beneath civilian layers rather than overt vests, with heavier armor and long arms retrieved from unmarked vehicles only upon initiating arrests or engagements.^[49] This approach reflects the unit's doctrine of sustaining prolonged covert presence, where overt gear deployment signals the shift from infiltration to direct action, minimizing exposure risks in densely populated areas.^[47]

Specialized Tools for Urban Operations

The Duvdevan Unit utilizes compact, concealable firearms optimized for close-quarters engagements in densely populated urban environments, where rapid, low-profile interventions are essential to neutralize threats without alerting surrounding civilians or militants. Primary sidearms include the Jericho 941 semi-automatic pistol, chambered in 9mm, which offers reliability and ease of concealment under civilian disguises during surveillance and arrest operations.^[50] Submachine guns such as the Para Micro-Uzi provide suppressed fire capability for suppressive or selective engagements, minimizing acoustic signatures to preserve operational secrecy in city streets and buildings.^[51] For breaching and room-clearing in urban structures, operators deploy shotguns like the Remington 870, equipped with short barrels for maneuverability in confined spaces, enabling door breaches and non-penetrating rounds to reduce collateral risks in civilian-heavy areas.^[50] Sniper systems, including the M24 and M89SR rifles, support overwatch roles from elevated urban positions, allowing precision targeting of high-value threats while teams conduct ground-level actions.^[50] These tools emphasize modularity, with suppressors and optics adapted for low-light conditions prevalent in nocturnal urban raids, ensuring effectiveness in counter-terrorism scenarios where speed and discretion outweigh heavy armament.^[52]

Adaptations for Evolving Threats

In response to the hybrid threats encountered during operations like the Second Lebanon War in 2006 and Operation Cast Lead in 2008–2009, the Duvdevan Unit, as part of broader IDF special forces adaptations, incorporated enhanced personal protective equipment including ceramic vests, advanced combat helmets, and night vision goggles to improve operator survivability against improvised explosive devices, anti-tank guided missiles, and close-quarters urban engagements.^[53] These updates addressed the shift from conventional to asymmetric warfare, where non-state actors employed rockets, ambushes, and concealed explosives, necessitating lighter yet more resilient gear compatible with undercover mobility.^[53] Further evolutions in armament focused on modular assault rifles such as the Tavor TAR-21 and short-barreled M4 carbines, optimized for rapid transitions in densely populated areas amid rising vehicular ramming and stabbing attacks during the 2015–2016 terrorism wave.^[1] These platforms allow for suppressed fire and quick concealment, countering the tactical adaptations of terrorist cells using civilian cover and short-range weapons. Complementing this, the unit employs specialized counter-surveillance equipment to detect mechanical threats like hidden cameras and listening devices, a critical adaptation to adversaries' increasing use of commercial surveillance tech for operational security.^[54] By the 2014 Operation Protective Edge and subsequent Gaza conflicts, integrations from the IDF's Digital Army Program extended to Duvdevan operators, providing encrypted communications and real-time data links for coordinating with aerial assets against drone-assisted reconnaissance and tunnel-based incursions, though specific concealable variants remain classified.^[53] These enhancements reflect a doctrinal shift toward technology-enabled precision in counter-terrorism, balancing undercover discretion with lethality against evolving multi-domain threats.^[53]

Notable Operations and Achievements

High-Profile Arrests and Neutralizations

The Duvdevan Unit has conducted numerous high-profile arrests targeting perpetrators of major terrorist attacks during the 2015-2016 wave of violence in the West Bank. In October 2015, unit operatives arrested members of a Hamas cell responsible for the murder of Eitam and Naama Henkin, an Israeli couple shot dead in their vehicle near Itamar while driving with their four children; the suspects confessed to the killings during interrogation. Similarly, in early 2016, Duvdevan forces captured the primary suspect in the stabbing death of Dafna Meir, a 38-year-old mother killed in her home in Otniel on January 17, 2016, after he infiltrated the settlement and attacked her in front of her children. The unit also apprehended suspects linked to the November 13, 2015, stabbing attack that killed Rabbi Yaakov Littman, 40, and his son Netanel, 16, near Tekoa, disrupting further planned operations by the cell. These arrests, often executed undercover in densely populated areas, were credited with preventing additional attacks and earned the unit the Chief of Staff Citation in October 2016 for its role in countering the terror wave.^[1] In targeted neutralizations, Duvdevan has eliminated senior terrorists involved in attacks against Israelis. On June 13, 2024, during a 13-hour operation in Jenin, unit soldiers alongside Haruv forces killed two senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives responsible for multiple shootings, including the murder of an Israeli civilian; the raid also resulted in arrests and weapons seizures. In January 2024, Duvdevan located and neutralized Amjad Abu Daqqa, a terrorist who killed three Israeli security personnel near Hebron on December 16, 2023, after he barricaded himself in a building. On March 11, 2024, elite Duvdevan troops intercepted and killed a Palestinian terrorist en route from Nablus to Tel Aviv with an explosive device, averting a planned suicide bombing. Additional operations include the May 3, 2025, elimination of a senior terrorist outside Nablus and a September 3, 2025, neutralization in Nablus of a suspect hurling concrete blocks at forces during an undercover raid. These actions underscore the unit's focus on high-value targets, often based on real-time intelligence to disrupt imminent threats.^[55]^[56]^[57]^[58]^[24]

Quantifiable Impact on Terror Prevention

The Duvdevan Unit has executed hundreds of undercover operations each year focused on arresting terrorism suspects and thwarting planned attacks in urban areas of Judea and Samaria. In the 12 months preceding October 2016, the unit conducted hundreds of such missions in complex combat environments, targeting wanted individuals and disrupting terrorist infrastructure.^[59] This operational tempo continued into subsequent years; for example, in 2017 alone, Duvdevan completed over 300 missions, earning the IDF Chief of Staff's award for excellence.^[60] By 2019, the unit had carried out hundreds more operations and arrests amid ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.^[61] During the Second Intifada (2000–2005), Duvdevan led efforts against suicide bombings, arresting the majority of suicide bombers who were apprehended before detonation, which contributed to a decline in successful attacks as Israeli security measures intensified.^[62] The unit's undercover tactics enabled preemptive interventions that dismantled cells and seized explosives, directly mitigating threats that had previously resulted in hundreds of Israeli civilian deaths from suicide operations. In the 2015–2016 terrorism wave, Duvdevan maintained a significant role in daily arrests and neutralizations, helping stabilize security amid stabbing and vehicular attacks.^[1] In broader campaigns like Operation Break the Wave (launched April 2022), Duvdevan received commendations for operational achievements against terror networks, including arrests and eliminations that prevented escalations following deadly attacks inside Israel.^[63] These metrics underscore the unit's impact in high-risk environments, where its interventions have consistently foiled imminent threats, though precise counts of averted attacks remain classified due to operational security.^[64]

Recognition and Operational Success Metrics

The Duvdevan Unit has been repeatedly recognized by IDF command for exceptional counter-terrorism performance. In August 2016, it received the IDF Chief of Staff's Decoration of Honor, the highest unit-level commendation, for developing innovative combat methods that enhanced undercover effectiveness against terror threats.^[64] That October, Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Gadi Eisenkot presented a citation acknowledging hundreds of operations conducted in the prior year, emphasizing the unit's role in maintaining security amid heightened West Bank violence.^[59] In 2018, following over 300 missions, the unit earned the Chief of Staff's award for operational excellence.^[60] Further accolades came during extended campaigns, such as Operation Break the Wave in 2022, where Duvdevan received the Central Command citation—the second-highest honor—for contributions to arresting terror suspects and disrupting networks in Judea and Samaria.^[63] These awards reflect consistent high-level validation of the unit's precision in high-risk environments, with commendations often highlighting adaptations that minimized Israeli casualties while targeting militants. Operationally, Duvdevan has executed thousands of missions since its establishment, including ambushes, arrests, and intelligence-driven raids across the West Bank.^[65] These efforts have yielded the capture or neutralization of hundreds of terrorists, with documented successes such as the 2008 assassination of a senior Islamic Jihad leader.^[11] While comprehensive declassified metrics on prevented attacks are limited due to operational secrecy, the unit's track record underscores its impact on degrading terror infrastructure, as evidenced by sustained IDF citations tied to verifiable mission volumes and outcomes.^[66]

Casualties and Internal Challenges

Combat and Training Losses

The Duvdevan Unit has historically incurred fatalities almost exclusively through training accidents and friendly fire, reflecting the high-risk nature of its undercover and counter-terrorism operations, with combat deaths emerging prominently during the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7, 2023. A 2018 analysis indicated that all 15 unit members who had fallen in the line of duty up to that point were killed in such non-combat incidents, underscoring the unit's emphasis on rigorous, realistic training simulating urban and close-quarters engagements.^[67] Notable training losses include Sergeant Roy Dror, 19, from Kochav Yair, who died on August 10, 2002, during a training exercise in northern Israel after falling from height. Staff Sergeant Shahar Strug, 20, was fatally shot on May 7, 2018, in an accidental discharge incident on base by a fellow Duvdevan soldier mishandling a pistol, leading to manslaughter charges against the shooter and disciplinary action against officers. Training injuries have also occurred, such as the January 18, 2022, grenade explosion that wounded two Duvdevan commandos with shrapnel, one lightly and one moderately.^[68]^[69]^[70] In combat, Duvdevan operators faced lethal threats during ground operations in Gaza. On December 15, 2023, Sergeant-Major Liav Aloush, 21, from Gedera, and Staff Sergeant (res.) Emmanuel Chukwu, 27, from Nof HaGalil, were killed by an explosive device detonation during a raid in Khan Yunis. Major (res.) Or Yosef, from the Itamar settlement, was killed in action on October 7, 2024, as announced by the IDF. Additionally, Sergeant First Class Yona Betzalel Brief, 23, a combat medic from Ashkelon, succumbed to wounds sustained on October 7, 2023, while defending the Gaza border, dying on November 26, 2024, at Sheba Medical Center. These incidents mark a shift from the unit's prior loss profile, with the broader Commando Brigade—including Duvdevan—reporting 26 fatalities by late 2023 amid intensified urban warfare.^[21]^[71]^[72]^[73]

Psychological and Health Impacts on Operators

Operators in the Duvdevan Unit experience elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), positioning the unit among those with the highest incidence among IDF combatants due to the prolonged psychological strain of undercover missions involving disguise, infiltration, and direct confrontation with threats.^[74] The immersive nature of these operations, requiring constant vigilance and identity concealment in hostile environments, fosters chronic hyperarousal and moral injury from high-stakes arrests or neutralizations.^[67] Training protocols mandate emotional suppression and detachment from family life to prioritize mission survival, resulting in reintegration challenges such as emotional numbness, fractured marriages, and an inability to process personal grief during active service, which exacerbate post-service isolation and relational breakdowns.^[75] Despite specialized resilience training that reduces PTSD incidence compared to conventional units, operators remain susceptible to battle fatigue, with veterans reporting persistent symptoms like irritability and sleep disturbances that impair civilian functioning.^[76] Support initiatives, including those from the Duvdevan Foundation established in 2000, emphasize debriefing and communal processing of experiences to counteract secrecy-induced alienation, though governmental mental health resources have historically lagged, prompting veteran-led advocacy for expanded care.^[77] Health impacts extend to somatic effects of sustained stress, such as exacerbated fatigue and potential cardiovascular strain from adrenal overload, though unit-specific longitudinal data on physical comorbidities remains scarce amid operational confidentiality.^[75]

Controversies and Criticisms

Allegations of Excessive Force and Civilian Harm

In December 2024, soldiers from the Duvdevan Unit conducted a raid in the Balata refugee camp in Nablus, West Bank, during which 80-year-old Palestinian Halima Abu Lail was fatally shot in the chest after reportedly being wounded in the legs and falling to her knees.^[78]^[79] The operation involved Duvdevan personnel arriving in a civilian minibus and a vehicle marked as an ambulance, prompting allegations of perfidy under international law due to the deceptive use of medical insignia.^[80]^[81] The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the ambulance-marked vehicle's use as a "serious offence" violating protocol, resulting in a formal reprimand to the Duvdevan Unit commander by the Central Command's head, though no criminal charges were filed regarding Abu Lail's death itself.^[82]^[81] The IDF stated the raid targeted militants and resulted in the neutralization of armed suspects, but Palestinian witnesses and family accounts described indiscriminate firing in a crowded market area.^[78]^[82] The incident drew accusations of extrajudicial killing from advocacy groups, including calls by Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) to apply U.S. Leahy Law restrictions on aid to Duvdevan (IDF Unit 217) for alleged gross human rights violations, citing video evidence of the shooting as deliberate.^[83]^[80] A Haaretz investigation reported the raid as unauthorized, with Duvdevan forces also killing a 17-year-old boy in the same operation, framing it as part of broader patterns in undercover arrests where civilian bystanders have been harmed amid close-quarters engagements.^[78] IDF probes into such West Bank operations have historically closed without indictments in most cases involving alleged excessive force, with external critics attributing this to systemic barriers in accountability.^[84] Earlier allegations against Duvdevan include claims of abuse during detentions, such as a 2021 testimony by Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti detailing physical mistreatment by unit members during an arrest.^[85] Non-governmental organizations like Breaking the Silence have collected anonymous IDF soldier accounts from the 2000s onward describing instances of unnecessary violence, human shielding, and civilian endangerment in Nablus operations, though these reports rely on unverified testimonies and have faced Israeli government rebuttals for lacking context on threat environments.^[86]^[87] During the First Intifada (1987–1993), undercover units including Duvdevan precursors were linked to 75 Palestinian deaths in targeted actions, some contested as involving non-combatants, per historical analyses, but operational details remain classified and debated.^[6] These claims often arise in asymmetric urban counter-terrorism contexts, where Duvdevan's disguise tactics heighten risks of misidentification, yet empirical data on verified civilian harm attributable solely to the unit is limited by restricted access to IDF after-action reviews.^[88]

International Scrutiny and Legal Challenges

The Duvdevan Unit has faced international scrutiny primarily from human rights advocacy groups and media reports alleging excessive use of force and violations of international humanitarian law during undercover operations in the West Bank. In a December 19, 2024, raid on Balata Refugee Camp in Nablus, members of the unit, disguised in a vehicle marked as a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance, fatally shot 80-year-old Halima Abu Lail multiple times in the chest, stomach, and leg while she was in a public market; video evidence showed her collapsing after initial shots, with further firing directed at her wounded position.^[83]^[82] The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the disguise as a "serious offence" violating protocol, though it classified the operation as targeting militants and initiated an internal probe without immediate indictments.^[82] A United Nations human rights expert described the killing as potentially amounting to a war crime due to the deliberate nature and perfidious tactics employed.^[89] Advocacy organization Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), which has pursued legal accountability for alleged IDF abuses, cited the Abu Lail incident alongside the unit's purported role in the May 11, 2022, shooting death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh during a Jenin operation—where soldiers allegedly fired from concealed positions without warning—as grounds for disqualifying Duvdevan from U.S. security assistance under the Leahy Law, a statute barring aid to foreign units credibly linked to gross human rights violations.^[80] DAWN supported a federal lawsuit filed in U.S. courts to enforce this against Duvdevan (designated as IDF Unit 217), but the case was stayed by a judge on April 30, 2025, pending further State Department review, with no disqualification enacted as of July 2025.^[83] Such calls reflect broader NGO critiques, including from Human Rights Watch, which in its 1993 report documented over 120 killings by Israeli undercover units since 1987, attributing many to disproportionate force against fleeing or unarmed suspects in violation of open-fire rules.^[88] Historical cases involving Duvdevan have also drawn attention, such as the November 23, 1992, shooting of 12-year-old Amjad Jabbar in Ar-Ram, where unit members fired at stone-throwers, killing the boy in the back as he fled; the unit commander was later court-martialed for negligence and received a reduced 12-month sentence, one of few instances of accountability amid patterns of impunity noted in investigations.^[88] While no Duvdevan-specific indictments have emerged from bodies like the International Criminal Court—which has pursued broader probes into IDF conduct in Palestinian territories since 2021—allegations persist in UN reporting on West Bank operations, emphasizing risks of civilian harm in densely populated areas without commensurate international legal repercussions.^[90] These challenges highlight tensions between the unit's counter-terrorism mandate and demands for stricter adherence to proportionality under international law, though critics from advocacy sources often face counter-claims of selective focus amid ongoing militant threats.^[88]

Israeli and Unit Responses to Accusations

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has defended Duvdevan operations by asserting that the unit operates under strict rules of engagement prioritizing arrests over lethal force, with firearms authorized only after warnings or when facing imminent threats to life, such as armed suspects or attacks like stone-throwing or fleeing militants. In specific cases, IDF spokespersons have described actions as self-defense, for example, stating that soldiers fired at suspects' legs to halt escapes during pursuits, aligning with law-enforcement protocols rather than combat rules.^[88] Early operational data cited by IDF officials showed 491 terrorists apprehended versus 26 killed in 1992, underscoring a policy against a "shoot-to-kill" approach.^[88] Undercover tactics employed by Duvdevan are justified as necessary to neutralize high-value threats in densely populated, hostile areas like West Bank refugee camps, where conventional raids risk greater civilian exposure and operational failure; officials compare these to global police practices for targeting "hard-core" militants amid elevated soldier risks, with six special forces personnel killed in related engagements.^[88] The IDF emphasizes that such methods enable precise interventions that prevent broader escalations, as evidenced by commendations for Duvdevan in multi-month counterterrorism efforts reducing militant attacks.^[63] In response to alleged breaches, the IDF's Military Advocate General's Corps initiates investigations into reported violations, with outcomes including disciplinary measures and prosecutions; over five years in the early 1990s, 35 soldiers faced trials, including two from special units, such as a lieutenant colonel demoted for rules of engagement infractions and a soldier convicted in the 1992 Amjad Jabbar shooting, receiving a 12-month sentence (six suspended).^[88] More recently, following the unit's 2025 use of a Palestinian ambulance in Jenin—which resulted in the death of Halima Abu Lail—the IDF labeled it a "serious offence," reprimanded the commander, and opened probes, while maintaining commitment to international law and ongoing accountability processes for misconduct suspicions.^[84]^[91] Israeli military leaders, including figures like Maj. Gen. Matan Vilnai, have rejected claims of systematic excess as "malicious lies," arguing that operational necessities—such as shortening procedures against masked activists to prevent escapes—stem from reasonable suspicion of threats like concealed weapons, without endorsing unchecked killings. The IDF further contends that its credibility derives from soldier training, supervision, and irregularity corrections, urging assessments based on full context rather than selective allegations often lacking verification of terror threats posed by targets.^[88] In incidents like a September 2025 Nablus operation, spokespersons affirmed that neutralization of a suspect hurling concrete blocks complied with self-defense protocols during a covert arrest attempt.^[92]

Cultural and Media Representation

Depictions in Film and Television

The Israeli television series Fauda, which premiered on Yes TV in 2015 and later gained international acclaim on Netflix, portrays a fictional elite undercover unit known as mista'arvim, explicitly modeled after the Duvdevan Unit's counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank.^[93]^[94] The series depicts operators disguising themselves as Palestinians to conduct arrests, intelligence gathering, and targeted killings amid high-stakes pursuits of militants, reflecting Duvdevan's real-world focus on urban infiltration and rapid response tactics.^[95] Co-created by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, both veterans of the Duvdevan Unit, the show draws from their firsthand experiences, including Raz's service in undercover roles where he leveraged Arabic fluency for deep-cover missions.^[93]^[94] While Fauda emphasizes the operational intensity, personal toll, and moral ambiguities faced by such units—such as blurred lines between combatants and civilians in densely populated areas—it simplifies Duvdevan's structure for dramatic effect, presenting a smaller, more autonomous team compared to the unit's actual brigade-level scale within the IDF's Commando Brigade.^[96] The portrayal has been credited with raising global awareness of mista'arvim tactics but criticized for potentially glamorizing high-risk engagements without fully conveying the unit's rigorous selection process, which involves extensive cultural immersion and psychological vetting.^[95] No major feature films have directly depicted Duvdevan operations, attributable to the unit's operational secrecy and classification of many missions, though the series' success has influenced broader media interest in Israeli special forces narratives.^[93]

Influence on Public Perception of IDF Special Forces

The Duvdevan Unit's emphasis on undercover operations and high arrest success rates—often exceeding 90% in targeted counter-terrorism raids during operations like Break the Wave from 2022 onward—has bolstered the perception of IDF special forces as adept at preempting threats in densely populated areas without resorting to large-scale engagements.^[19] ^[2] This approach, involving mista'arvim (undercover operatives disguised as locals), projects an image of tactical sophistication and restraint, fostering Israeli public confidence in the elite units' capacity to maintain security amid ongoing West Bank tensions.^[7] Such outcomes, including the neutralization of hundreds of terror suspects annually, reinforce views of IDF special forces as a deterrent force enabling normalcy for civilians.^[97] Media portrayals have amplified this elite status, with the unit's real-world exploits inspiring the Netflix series Fauda, which debuted in 2015 and drew millions of viewers by depicting the moral ambiguities and operational intensity of undercover counter-terrorism.^[35] The series, created by former IDF operatives including Lior Raz who served in similar roles, humanizes the operatives while showcasing their effectiveness, contributing to a broader appreciation of IDF special forces' role in asymmetric warfare both domestically and internationally.^[98] In Israel, where military service is mandatory, such representations enhance national pride in the units' contributions to low-visibility victories that avert larger conflicts.^[94] Internationally, Duvdevan's joint training exercises, such as the 2017 urban warfare drill with the Czech 601st Special Forces Group, highlight interoperability and advanced skills, elevating the perceived professionalism of IDF special forces among allied militaries.^[99] Decorations for operational excellence, including IDF Chief of Staff commendations, further cement this reputation for reliability in high-stakes environments.^[99] However, disclosures of training accidents and psychological strains, with all 15 unit fatalities since inception occurring in non-combat scenarios as of 2018, have underscored the rigorous demands, prompting nuanced views that balance heroism with the human costs of sustained vigilance.^[67]

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[77]
'No one is immune to battle fatigue, not even the best fighters in the ...
Jun 12, 2019 · According to Ben-Yehuda, this type of special training has been proven to foster lower rates of PTSD among special forces members, "but despite ...
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עמותת דובדבן - עמותת בוגרי יחידת דובדבן - משפחות שכולות, בוגרי היחידה
### Summary of Psychological Support and Mental Health for Duvdevan Unit Veterans
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In This Story, the Killing of Two Innocent Palestinians by Israeli ...
Jan 17, 2025 · ... Duvdevan unit raided the camp for an arrest and ... That quickly deteriorated into an event of unrestrained shooting and killing ...
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Grandmother, 80, 'fell to her knees' after IDF shot her six times ...
Dec 22, 2024 · ... killed armed militants from various factions in the area. A pile of shattered glass marks where 80-year-old Halima Abu Leil was shot dead.Missing: Duvdevan | Show results with:Duvdevan
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Leahy Law: Prohibit IDF Unit 217 (“Duvdevan”) from U.S. Security ...
Jul 1, 2025 · Duvdevan, a highly trained unit in the IDF, specializes in infiltrating Palestinian populations for arrest and assassination operations, often ...
[82]
Israel admits soldiers used ambulance in raid on refugee camp
Jan 14, 2025 · Military sources suggest that the operation aimed to arrest or eliminate six members of the Balata local militia linked to Fatah fighters.Missing: Second Intifada
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IDF admits 'serious offence' after using vehicle marked ambulance in ...
Jan 13, 2025 · "So this was a murder in cold blood and could be a war crime as an extrajudicial killing." According to the United Nations Office Of Human ...
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U.S.: Enforce Leahy Laws Against IDF's 'Duvdevan' Unit for ... - DAWN
Jul 2, 2025 · Undercover Israeli commando unit responsible for extrajudicial killing of 80-year-old Palestinian woman Halima Abu Lail.
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88% of Israeli investigations into recent Gaza abuse allegations ...
Aug 2, 2025 · An investigation by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has found that in 88% of 52 publicly claimed Israeli military probes into alleged war ...
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Prisoner Barghouti narrates moments of Duvdevan Unit' abuse ...
Prisoner Barghouti narrates moments of Duvdevan Unit' abuse. 08 Feb 2021. The Prisoners and Ex-Prisoners Affairs Committee documented the testimony of the ...Missing: IDF | Show results with:IDF
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Breaking the Silence › Testimony › A moving human shield
... Duvdevan UnitEducation CorpsEfraim BrigadeEgoz Reconnaissance ... There [in Nablus] I can really attest to one of the exceptions, of abusing... [ Abuse ].
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[PDF] breaking the silence - NGO Monitor
deals with cases of IDF soldier abuse, violence, and looting in the Territories; ... He said that he liked to kill, the commander from the Duvdevan unit?
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[PDF] A LICENSE TO KILL - Human Rights Watch
Oct 5, 2025 · research into the activities of special units of the Israeli security forces in the. West Bank and Gaza Strip. You will recall that my ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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https://www.un.org/unispal/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/N2326071.pdf
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[PDF] A/78/198 General Assembly - UN.org.
Sep 5, 2023 · 4 The Commission notes that the term “terrorism” is not clearly defined under international law. Page 4. A/78/198. 23-17120. 4 ...
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Addressing Alleged Misconduct in the Context of the War in Gaza | IDF
Feb 24, 2024 · IDF forces are obligated to report incidents that raise suspicion for violations of the law or IDF orders. Any report (submitted by IDF forces ...
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IDF troops kill terrorist throwing concrete blocks during undercover ...
Sep 3, 2025 · In a previous operation in July, Duvdevan arrested two terrorists from Ramallah and a terrorist from Beitunya who were planning attacks, the ...
[94]
'Fauda' Returns: Inside the Real-Life Elite Commando Unit Behind ...
Jun 1, 2018 · “Fauda” tells the story of an elite special ops unit within the Israeli army called “mista'arvim,” undercover commandos carrying out secret missions.Missing: depictions | Show results with:depictions
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Fauda: The true story behind the chaos - Unpacked
Jun 14, 2023 · Members of Duvdevan perform covert operations within Palestinian villages, often carrying out arrests of wanted terrorists. “Fauda,” which means ...
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Fauda is Back—With a Vengeance - by Jonathan Broder - SpyTalk
Feb 19, 2023 · Created by Avi Isaacharoff and Lior Raz, both veterans of the Duvdevan special forces unit, Fauda draws from their real-life-and-death ...
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Fauda: Is the Netflix Show Based on a True Story? - The Cinemaholic
In real life, the Duvdevan Unit is actually much bigger compared to its “militia” style depiction in the show. Moreover, even the teams amongst these groups are ...<|separator|>
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Stopping terrorism, night after night - JNS.org
May 25, 2018 · The goal of an elite IDF unit is to avoid confrontations with large-scale terror organizations, arresting wanted terrorists in the early stages ...
[99]
How Do You Make a TV Show Set in the West Bank? | The New Yorker
Aug 28, 2017 · The story centers on Doron Kabilyo, a saturnine special-forces soldier who, as the series begins, has retired and gone off to live on a small ...
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Israeli, Czech special forces complete joint urban-warfare exercise
Aug 18, 2017 · A joint, two-week-long military exercise between Israeli and Czech special forces in the Negev Desert came to a close on Tuesday.<|separator|>