The LOTAR Unit, (Hebrew: יחידת הלוט"ר), is a mista'arvim (special operations forces) unit that specializes in training with clandestine operation, collect tactical intelligence in dangerous areas, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, covert operation, irregular warfare, scouting, and sniper within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF),[2] also known as Unit 707 or The Counter-Terror School. LOTAR is a portmanteau of Hebrew: לוחמה בטרור, romanized: Lochama Be'Terror, lit. 'Combating terrorism'.
| The Counter-Terror School | |
|---|---|
| בית הספר ללוט״ר | |
 Unit insignia | |
| Active | 1974 |
| Country |  Israel |
| Allegiance |  Israel Defense Forces |
| Type | Mista'arvim |
| Role | Air assault Anti-tank warfare Artillery observer Bomb disposal CBRN defense Clandestine operation Close-quarters battle Counterterrorism Covert operation Desert warfare Direct action Executive protection Hostage rescue HUMINT Irregular warfare Long-range penetration Military education and training Mountain warfare Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Special operations Special reconnaissance Tracking Urban warfare |
| Garrison/HQ | Mitkan Adam |
| Nickname(s) | Unit 707 |
| Motto(s) | מְלַמֵּד יָדַי לַמִּלְחָמָה וְנִחַת קֶשֶׁת־נְחוּשָׁה זְרֹעֹתָי (2 Samuel 22) "Who trained my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze!"[1] |
| Engagements | Second Lebanon War Operation Cast Lead Operation Protective Edge |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Amos Kotzer - Founding Commander |
It is tasked primarily with training other IDF units in the areas of anti-irregular military in insurgency areas, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, tactical intelligence gathering, the use of sniper rifles, and various small-scale and short-range warfare scenarios. The unit has also taken on several other responsibilities including the theories of camouflage, the training of special soldiers called "monkeys" (trained in climbing and rappelling),[3] and several other training scenarios. Meanwhile if really necessary unit's personnel must carry out military special operations according to assigned missions. Most of them focus on commando style raids, counterterrorism, covert operation, hostage rescue (if necessary), irrgular warfare, tactical intelligence gathering, and tracking high-value targets.
The LOTAR School is housed inside of Mitkan Adam (Hebrew: מתקן אדם, lit. 'Adam Base'),[4] alongside the Oketz Unit[5] and the Oz Brigade, southeast of Tel Aviv within the Hevel Modi'in Regional Council.
History
editThe unit was founded by its first Commander, Amos Kotzer, in 1974. It was created, along with Yamam, a unit in the Israel Border Police,[6] primarily in response to the Ma'alot massacre, where a failed rescue operation by Sayeret Matkal resulted in the deaths of 25 hostages, including 21 children, before the hostage takers were killed.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ "II Samuel 22:35, JPS, 1985". Sefaria. Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ "IDF Counter-terrorism: Lotar". The Jewish Virtual Library (American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise). Retrieved 30 May 2023.
- ^ "לוחמה בטרור, העידן החדש". Israel Defense (in Hebrew). 2011-05-19. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
- ^ Bennett, R. M. (2011-08-31). Elite Forces. Random House. ISBN 978-0-7535-4764-9.
- ^ USA, IBP (2013). Israel Intelligence, Security Activities and Operations Handbook Volume 1 Strategic Information and Regulations. International Business Publications, USA. p. 104. ISBN 978-1-4387-2509-3.
- ^ "Identity of Outgoing Police Anti-terror Unit Chief Declassified". Haaretz. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
- ^ Bennett, R. M. (2011-08-31). Elite Forces. Random House. ISBN 978-0-7535-4764-9.
- ^ "israelinsider: security: Where terrorists learned to attack schools". 2007-03-11. Archived from the original on 2007-03-11. Retrieved 2023-05-31.