About Shayetet 13, Israel’s Navy SEALs

Shayetet (Hebrew for “Flotilla”) 13 is Israel’s equivalent of the United States’ Navy SEALs and Britain’s Special Boat Service. Shayetet 13 regularly cross-trains with these and other allied special operations forces (SOF). Capable by sea, air and land, this is the only Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit designed to operate anywhere, under any circumstances and with any amount of notice. Accordingly, Shayetet 13 is the IDF’s most active unit and often operates far beyond Israel’s borders. The unit is known in Israel as the “Men of Silence” and is symbolized by the bat (in Hebrew, atalef). Only a small fraction of the unit’s operations are ever revealed to the public.

Explore our Wartime Report including operational videos

 

rare interviews with shayetet 13:

Interview with the commander of Shayetet 13 following the September 2024 hostage rescue in Gaza.

Interview with a Shayetet 13 reservist called to duty during the May 2021 conflict.

Interview with the commander of Shayetet 13 on the occasion of the unit’s 70th anniversary, discussing the unit’s purpose, heritage and evolution.

 
 
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