Shayetet 13
| Shayetet 13 | |
|---|---|
S'13 Insignia
|
|
| Active | 1948–Present |
| Country |
 Israel
|
| Branch |
 Israeli Navy
|
| Type | Special Forces |
| Role |
Counter-terrorism |
| Garrison/HQ | Atlit naval base |
| Nickname(s) | השייטת (HaShayetet, The Flotilla) |
| Engagements |
Suez Crisis Six-Day War War of Attrition Operation Spring of Youth Operation Litani 1982 Lebanon War South Lebanon conflict Operation Moses First Intifada Second Intifada Santorini Noah's Ark Abu Hasan 2006 Lebanon War Gaza War Francop Affair Gaza flotilla raid Iron Law Operation Full Disclosure Operation Protective Edge |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Ami Ayalon Ze'ev Almog Yoav Galant |
Counter-terrorism
Sabotage
Maritime intelligence gathering
Maritime hostage rescue
Boarding
Shayetet 13 (Hebrew: שייטת 13, lit. Flotilla 13) is a unit of the Israeli Navy and one of the primary special operations units of the Israel Defense Forces. Shayetet 13 specializes in sea-to-land incursions, counter-terrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue, and boarding. The unit is trained for sea, air and land actions. The unit has taken part in almost all of Israel's major wars, as well as other actions.
The unit is one of the most secretive in the Israeli military. The details of many missions and identities of active operatives are kept highly classified. The unit is respected as among the best of the world’s special forces, and is compared to the US Navy SEALs and Britain's Special Boat Service. Unlike many other Israeli Special Forces Units which take men only for their 36-month mandatory service, volunteers for Shayetet 13 must agree to service at least four and a half years (18 months over and above the normal commitment). Unit's Motto: "As the bat emerges from the darkness, As the blade cuts through with silence, As the grenade smashs in rage." In addition the unit also referred to as "people of Silence".
Shayetet 13 is a veteran Israeli special forces unit. It was formed in 1949 by Yohai Ben-Nun with men drawn from the ranks of the Palyam, the naval branch of the Haganah. The need for such a dedicated unit was a matter of debate during the early years of the IDF, and the unit subsequently suffered size and budget restrictions. Upon its foundation, the existence of Shayetet 13 was a state secret, and its members wore general Israeli Navy insignia rather than their own unique one.
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