Israel/Defense Forces/Sayeret Matkal
Special reconnaissance, Counter-terrorism
| Israel/Defense Forces/Sayeret Matkal link | |
|---|---|
| File:Sayeret Matkal insignia.svg | |
| Motto | המעז מנצח (Who Dares Wins) |
| Formation | 1957 |
| Type | Special reconnaissance, Counter-terrorism |
| Staff | Classified |
| Interests | terrorism |
General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, or Unit 269, more commonly known as Sayeret (special reconnaissance unit) Matkal, is the prime sayeret unit of the Israel Defense Forces. Vanity Fair described it as "a highly secretive special-operations brigade [which] has taken on mythic status", "the most effective counter-terrorism force in the world".[1]
Activities
First and foremost a field intelligence-gathering unit, conducting deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines to obtain strategic intelligence, Sayeret Matkal is also tasked with counter-terrorism and hostage rescue beyond Israel's borders. The unit is modeled after the British Army's Special Air Service, taking the unit's motto "Who Dares, Wins". The unit is the Israeli equivalent of 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force) of the United States. It is directly subordinate to the IDF's Directorate of Military Intelligence.