Multidimensional Unit (IDF)
Unit 888 “Refaim” (Hebrew: יחידת רפאים. lit. "Wraiths unit") is a combined special operations task force within the 99th Infantry Division. The unit was established in 2019 by Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kokhavi.
Unit 888 “Refaim” | |
---|---|
Active | 2019–present |
Country | Israel |
Allegiance | Israel Defense Forces |
Branch | Israeli Ground Forces |
Type | Commando |
Role | Direct action Intelligence gathering |
Size | Battalion[1] |
Part of | 99th Infantry Division (Reserve) (He) Maneuvering Corps GOC Army Headquarters |
Nickname(s) | "Refaim", "Ghosts", "Unit 888", "Multidimensional Unit" |
Motto(s) | "But he knoweth not that the dead are there" Proverbs 9:18[2] |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Roi Levi † |
Concept
The unit operates in all battle arenas to detect, attack and destroy the enemy in all theaters of operation and in all domains,[3] combining the capabilities of infantry, engineering, anti-tank warfare, air and Intelligence all into one Special Operations Force. The unit is also tasked with proving new operational technology on the battlefield that could serve as potential technology for other units in the future.
Units 888s operators go through physical, mental and overall characteristics selection before starting training. Due to the tasks of the unit and the intense mix with both battle and technology the soldiers are tested with creativity and problem solving tests on top of regular special forces selection processes. Training consists of learning the art of combat while enduring an extremely physical and mental challenge of 14–16 months which not all participants make it through. The operators that successfully complete training could be sent to additional qualifications (צedical, דnipers etcץ and other undisclosed courses). Then they continue their service participating in classified operations of multiple types, training and preparing for the next mission or war.
In February 2020, the order of foundation of the unit was approved, and a symbol was revealed – a Sword, built into the number eight, with arrows nested in different directions.[4]
On 7 October 2023, the unit commander Roi Levi was killed in action by Hamas militants.[5]
Gallery
References
- https://news.walla.co.il/item/3332603
- Hebrew: ״וְלֹא יָדַע כִּי רְפָאִים שָׁם״. Translation from KJV
- הראשונים לקראת תוכנית רב-שנתית חדשה, אתר צה"ל, 18 באפריל 2019
- ״לא בכל יום מוטלת אחריות כבדה כל כך על כתפיה של יחידה אחת״,אתר צה"ל, 25, בפברואר 2020
- https://www.timesofisrael.com/authorities-name-44-soldiers-30-police-officers-killed-in-hamas-attack/
External links
Media related to Category:Multidimensional Unit (IDF) at Wikimedia Commons
- Such a unit was never in the IDF – until today, on IDF website, January 2020