Unit 217, frequently called Duvdevan ( he, דובדבן, lit=cherry), is a
''mistaʽaravim'' unit in the
Commando Brigade of the
Israel Defense Forces.
It is notable for its undercover operations in urban areas, during which its operators often wear civilian clothing to disguise themselves among the local
Arab
The Arabs (singular: Arab; singular ar, عَرَبِيٌّ, DIN 31635: , , plural ar, عَرَب, DIN 31635: , Arabic pronunciation: ), also known as the Arab people, are an ethnic group mainly inhabiting the Arab world in Western Asia, No ...
populace. The unit is also known to have highly trained members in both human and mechanical
counter-surveillance
Countersurveillance refers to measures that are usually undertaken by the public to prevent surveillance, including covert surveillance. Countersurveillance may include electronic methods such as technical surveillance counter-measures, which is ...
. Unlike other
special forces, they can operate independently in more than one place at a time. Unit 217 performs many high-risk and complicated operations, including
targeted killings
Targeted killing is a form of murder or assassination carried out by governments outside a judicial procedure or a battlefield.
Since the late 20th century, the legal status of targeted killing has become a subject of contention within and betw ...
of terrorists and a range of other undercover operations in
Arab regions, many of which are classified.
History
According to the
Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Unit 217
was established in June 1986 to deal with "security events" in the
West Bank, especially in its densely populated civilian areas. During the
2015–2016 violence wave, the unit was involved in the arrests of the killers of
Eitam and Naʽama Henkin, Hafna Meir, and
rabbi Yaʽakov Littman (sometimes spelled Litman) and his son. For its work during this period, Unit 217 received the
Israeli Chief of Staff citation.
[
Upon joining the Commando Brigade, Unit 217 expanded its operational activities.]
Organization and mission
The unit is part of the "Oz" 89th Commando Brigade (a brigade dedicated solely to special operations), but ''Duvdevan'' operators undergo basic training in the Paratroopers Brigade. Unit 217 is most similar to the Yamas unit of the Israel Border Police
The Israel Border Police ( he, מִשְׁמַר הַגְּבוּל, Mišmar Ha-Gvul) is the gendarmerie and border security branch of the Israel National Police. It is also commonly known by its Hebrew abbreviation Magav (), meaning border gu ...
.
Equipment
* Jericho 941
The Jericho 941 is a double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistol developed by Israel Military Industries (now Israel Weapon Industries) introduced in 1990.
It was first imported into the United States in 1990 by K.B.I., Inc. of Harrisbur ...
semi-automatic pistol
* M89SR sniper rifle
* M24 Sniper Weapon System – sniper system
* M4 carbine
The M4 carbine (officially Carbine, Caliber 5.56 mm, M4) is a 5.56×45mm NATO, gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine developed in the United States during the 1980s. It is a shortened version of the M16A2 assault rifle.
The M4 is extensively u ...
with 10" barrel
* Remington 870
The Remington Model 870 is a pump-action shotgun manufactured by Remington Arms Company, LLC. It is widely used by the public for shooting sports, hunting and self-defense, as well as by law enforcement and military organizations worldwide.
...
combat shotgun
* Para Micro-Uzi submachine gun
* IMI Negev
The IWI Negev (also known as the Negev NG-5) is a 5.56×45mm NATO light machine gun developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), formerly Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI).
In 2012, IWI introduced the Negev NG-7 7.62×51mm NATO general-p ...
machine gun
* Shipon multi-purpose rocket-launcher
* Mk 47 Striker
The Mk 47 or Striker 40 is a 40mm automatic grenade launcher with an integrated fire control system, capable of launching smart programmable 40mm air burst grenades in addition to various unguided rounds.
Design
The Mk 47 has the latest sens ...
automatic grenade launcher
* Glock 17/19C
*combat knife
A combat knife is a fighting knife designed solely for military use and primarily intended for hand-to-hand or close combat fighting.Peterson, Harold L., ''Daggers and Fighting Knives of the Western World'', Courier Dover Publications, , (2001) ...
See also
* Israeli Special Forces Units
* Kidon
Kidon ( he, כידון, "bayonet", "javelin" or a "spear") is the elite unit within Israel's Mossad that is allegedly responsible for the planning and execution of clandestine assassination campaigns against enemies of the Israeli state.
Unc ...
* Samson Unit
Unit 367, Samson Unit, or Shimshon (), was a special forces unit within the Israeli Defense Forces named after the biblical figure Samson.
History
Shimshon unit's ''modus operandi'' focused on undercover military operations against Palestinian ...
* Heroes for life
References
Further reading
*
External links
Garret Machine
{{Authority control
Infantry of Israel
Special forces of Israel
Counterterrorist organizations
Military units and formations established in 1986