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]
| Multidimensional Unit / Unit 888 | |
|---|---|
 Unit 888 Insignia | |
| Active | 2019–present |
| Country |  Israel |
| Allegiance |  Israel Defense Forces |
| Branch |  Israeli Ground Forces |
| Type | Combined Arms |
| 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) | Proverbs 9:18-“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18[2] |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Tal Ashure |
Role and training
editThe 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 within a number 8 featuring arrows flowing in different directions. The pommel of the sword features the binary code "1101111000" representing the decimal number, 888.[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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