Unit 888 “Refaim” (Hebrew: יחידת רפאים. lit. "Wraith's unit") is a combined special operations task force within the 99th Infantry Division, established in 2019 by Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kokhavi.[3]
| Unit 888 “Refaim” | |
|---|---|
 Unit 888 Insignia | |
| 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 | Dvir Hever |
Concept edit
The unit operates in all battle arenas to detect, attack, and destroy the enemy in all theaters of operation and in all domains,[4] 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.
Unit 888s operators go through physical, mental, and overall characteristics selection before starting training. Due to the unit's tasks and the intense mix of battle and technology, soldiers are tested in creativity and problem-solving, as well as undergoing regular special forces selection processes. Combat training includes enduring extreme physical and mental challenges over 14–16 months, which not all participants can complete. Those who successfully complete training may receive additional training, including medical, sniper, and other undisclosed courses. They then continue their service by participating in classified operations of multiple types, training and preparing for their next deployment.
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.[5]
On 7 October 2023, unit commander Roi Levi was killed by Hamas in the battle of Re'im.[6]
Gallery edit
- Inauguration Ceremony, February 2020
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References edit
- ^ https://news.walla.co.il/item/3332603
- ^ Hebrew: ״וְלֹא יָדַע כִּי רְפָאִים שָׁם״. Translation from KJV
- ^ https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy-defense/1577894720-idf-unveils-new-revolutionary-multi-faceted-combat-unit
- ^ 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 edit
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
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