Israeli special forces

IDF, Shin Bet capture Hamas's Internal Security chief during joint operation in Gaza Strip

The IDF's daring operations in Gaza captured international media attention, but their strategic significance is unclear at this time.

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house that was pre-warned by the Israeli military to evacuate before the strike was carried out late on Wednesday, in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, July 16, 2026.
IDF troops operate in the West Bank, August 17, 2026.

WATCH: IDF arrests two terrorists, raids 100 sites in Duvdevan West Bank counterterror operation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the signing of an MOU on artificial intelligence between Israel and Azerbaijan, February 3, 2026.

IDF deployed commandos, intelligence units to Azerbaijan during Iran war - CNN

Palestinians walk along Salaheddin road in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, July 21, 2025

Disguised IDF special forces arrest Palestinian in Gaza's Deir el-Balah - report


WATCH: IDF commando units discover and destroy Hamas infrastructure in Gaza

These units have been active in Khan Yunis since the beginning of the month, killing Hamas operatives and destroying tunnel shafts used by Hamas terrorists.

 IDF troops on operation in Gaza, December 26, 2023

IDF special forces take over Gaza tunnel shaft, seen through helmet cam

The LOTAR combat team, operating in the north Gaza city of Beit Hanoun, observed a terrorist emerging from a tunnel before firing a burst of shots at the Israeli forces.

 IDF special forces LOTAR troops operating Gaza. December 21, 2023.

IDF fails to rescue hostages in Gaza operation, two soldiers wounded

The families of the wounded soldiers have been informed.

 The 98th Division, the IDF's Special Forces Division, launched an attack and is fighting for the first time in the heart of Khan Yunis

The rescue of Private Megidish shows the multi-pronged approach Israel must take

Israel has rightly stated the release of the hostages as one of the main objectives of this war, along with destroying Hamas’s military capabilities and toppling it from power.

IDF's picture of the year: Exercise by the IAF's Airborne Combat Rescue And Evacuation Unit 669

WATCH: Elite Israeli Navy unit destroys Hamas infrastructure overnight

Shayetet 13 primarily focuses on executing missions involving countering acts of terrorism, gathering maritime intelligence, and rescuing hostages at sea.

A joint drill between the IDF’s elite Shayetet 13 navy commandos and US Army Special Forces

Netanyahu to IDF soldiers: We have one goal - to destroy Hamas

"We have only one goal in sight - to destroy Hamas," the prime minister said. "We will not stop until this target is met."

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen with elite Yahalom Unit soldiers on October 24, 2023

Dogs: Man's best friend, a terrorist's worst enemy - opinion

Dogs have always played a significant part in the defense of Israel.

7-year-old Django fell in action in Nablus during an operation with the Yamam counterterrorism unit, May 4, 2023.

What a mother of an IDF special forces soldier would like to tell you - opinion

I can’t tell you about the relief when your son finally gets to the end of his service - but I can tell you how proud I am of him.

 IDF special forces map the house of the terrorist who killed three Israelis in a terror attack, April 9, 2022.

Israeli Air Force special forces school opens

The 7th Wing incorporates troops from 669, Shaldag, the Frontal Landing Unit and a dedicated intelligence unit.

IDF's picture of the year: Exercise by the IAF's Airborne Combat Rescue And Evacuation Unit 669

IDF’s 'Red Unit': All-female unit challenging troops before they go to war

When they aren’t busy drilling with troops who can be from the elite Shayetet 13 to troops from the Golani or Paratrooper brigades, the women of the Red Unit are busy studying Israel’s enemies.

Soldiers from the IDF’s “Red Unit”