Multidimensional Unit (IDF)
| Multidimensional Unit / Unit 888 | |
|---|---|
 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) |
| Motto(s) | "But he does not know that ghosts were there..." Proverbs 9:18[2] |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Dvir Hever |
The Multidimensional Unit (Hebrew: היחידה הרב-ממדית), designated as Unit 888 and also known as the “Refaim” Unit (Hebrew: יחידת רפאים, lit. "Ghost Unit"), is an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Special Operations task force serving under the Ground Forces. It was established in 2019 by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kokhavi.[3]
Role and training
[edit]The Multidimensional Unit is intended to be a highly versatile unit that combines various fields of warfare, including infantry, engineering, anti-tank warfare, aerial warfare and intelligence collection. The unit is used as a model for testing new warfare innovations intended for potential use by the rest of the IDF.
Unit 888 operators go through physical and mental selection before starting training. Due to the unit's flexible nature and its task of innovating the IDF, soldiers are tested in the fields of 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 specializing in a specific field.
In February 2020, the unit's insignia was revealed, depicting a sword withing an 8 digit featuring arrows flowing in different directions.[4]
On 7 October 2023, Unit 888 commander Roi Levi was killed by the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades in the battle of Re'im.[5]
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
- ^ ״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 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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