SAYERET MATKAL
GENERAL STAFF RECONNAISSANCE UNIT | THE UNIT (HAYECHIDA)
“Hame’ez Menatzeakh” (Who Dares Wins)
Unit Overview
Sayeret Matkal is the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) premier special forces unit. Subordinate directly to the Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman), it is primarily a field intelligence-gathering unit that also specializes in deep reconnaissance and hostage rescue.
Modeled after the British SAS, “The Unit” operates deep behind enemy lines to collect strategic intelligence. It has produced more high-ranking Israeli officials, including three Prime Ministers, than any other military unit.
Operational Gear
- IWI Micro Tavor (X95) Bullpup Rifle
- M4A1 Commando Carbine
- Uzi Pro Submachine Gun
- Advanced SIGINT Surveillance Tech
Legendary Operations
The rescue of 102 hostages from a hijacked Air France plane in Uganda. Unit commander Yonatan Netanyahu was the sole IDF fatality.
Disguised as technicians, operators stormed Sabena Flight 571, rescuing 90 hostages. Two future Prime Ministers participated.
A joint raid in Beirut targeting PLO leadership. Operators infiltrated via the beach disguised as tourists and women.
CLASSIFIED: The Maslul (Training)
The 20-month training cycle (“Maslul”) begins with the infamous “Gibbush” selection week. Training focuses heavily on solo navigation, with recruits dropped alone in the desert for days.
The pipeline includes 4 months of basic infantry, 2 months of advanced infantry, 3 weeks of parachute school, 5 weeks of counter-terror school, and months of specialized reconnaissance and intelligence gathering training. Emphasis is placed on intellectual capability and improvisation.
