Shayetet 13: Israeli Navy SEALs

NOTICE: I do not own this picture. It belongs to its proper owner.

Shayetet 13 (Hebrew: שייטת 13‎, lit. Flotilla 13) is the elite naval commando unit of the Israeli Navy. The unit is considered one of the primary Special Forces units of the Israel Defense Forces (along with Sayeret Matkal and Shaldag Unit). S'13 specializes in sea-to-land incursions, counter-terrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue, and boarding. The unit has taken part in almost all of Israel's major wars, as well as other actions. The unit is one of the most secretive in the Israeli military. The details of many missions and identities of active operatives are kept highly classified. The unit is respected as among the best of the world’s special forces, and is often compared to the US Navy SEALs, the Kampfschwimmer and Britain's Special Boat Service.


Active
1948–Present


Country
Israel


Branch
Israeli Navy


Type
Naval Commando


Garrison/HQ
Atlit naval base


Nickname
השייטת (HaShayetet, The Flotilla)


Engagements
-Six-Day War
-War of Attrition
-Operation Spring of Youth
-Occupation of South Lebanon
-Operation Moses
-Second Intifada
-Santorini
-Noah's Ark
-Abu Hasan
-2006 Lebanon War
-Gaza War
-Francop Affair
-Gaza flotilla raid
-Iron Law