By Expert Chase
🦇🤫
The Elite Naval Commando Unit of the Israel Defense Forces
History of Shayetet 13
Shayetet 13 is an elite unit of the Israeli Navy specializing in maritime counter-terrorism, underwater demolition, navigation, and survival skills. Established in the early 1950s, the unit has been involved in numerous high-profile operations and missions. From its inception, Shayetet 13 has been a key player in protecting Israel’s maritime interests and conducting covert operations in hostile environments.
The unit’s storied history includes a range of significant operations that have impacted the geopolitical landscape. Shayetet 13 has operated across the globe, demonstrating unparalleled skill and courage in the face of daunting challenges.
Notable Operations
Operation Protective Edge (2014)
During Operation Protective Edge, Shayetet 13 played a crucial role in various missions against Hamas in Gaza. The operation aimed to neutralize threats and dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure. Shayetet 13 operatives were engaged in critical tasks including intelligence gathering, deep reconnaissance, and precision strikes. Their expertise significantly contributed to the operation's success.
Operation Tyre raid (2006)
Operation Tyre Raid was a bold, stealthy mission by the Israeli commando unit Shayetet 13 in Tyre, Lebanon. Aimed at disrupting enemy operations and gathering intelligence, the operation showcased their exceptional skills and strategic reach.
Field Stories and Personal Accounts
The personal stories of Shayetet 13 operatives offer a glimpse into the unit's world of high-stakes missions and unwavering dedication. These accounts reflect the challenges faced and the extraordinary courage displayed by the operatives in the pursuit of their objectives.
From underwater demolitions to covert reconnaissance behind enemy lines, these stories illustrate the extreme conditions and high level of skill required for successful operations. Each story serves as a testament to the unit’s resilience, teamwork, and commitment to their mission.
Gallery
Instagram Reel
Timeline of Operations
9 April 1948 - Nammal Bari, Italy
Operation 'Shalal 2'. Sinking of the Arab arms ship 'Lino' by marine saboteurs Yosef Dror and Beni Kravitz.
21 October 1948 - Off Gaza
Attack on the Amir Farouk and mine layer by explosive boats under the command of Yochai Ben-Nun, launched from the destroyer Ma'oz (K-24).
1949 - Kinneret
First diving course under the command of Hadar Kmechi.
April 1950 - Atalit Bay
Transition from Jaffa Port and establishment of the base.
May 1950 - Atalit Base
Inspection by Chief of Staff Yigal Allon and Navy Commander Shlomo Shamir. Yochai Ben-Nun and Yosef Dror complete their service.
16 May 1950 - Navy Headquarters
Establishment of the name Shayetet 13 as part of the numbering of the flotillas.
1952 - Alexandria, Port Said, Beirut
Visit by Isaac Rahab, Hadar Kmechi, and Yaakov Ritov as passengers on a passenger ship.
1953 - Haifa Port
Beginning of inspection of reparations ships against maritime sabotage.
1954 - Tel Nof Base
Beginning of participation in parachuting courses as part of the training of soldiers.
31 May 1954 - Saudi Coast in Eilat Bay
Intelligence patrol that went awry due to a malfunction in the 'Bar Giora' boat, rescue by aircraft.
1955 - Navy School
Joining the 5th Naval Academy course.
1955 - Shayetet Base
Collaboration with French units, beginning the use of the efficient diving device 'Oxygen' which improved performance capabilities.
25 June 1955 - Beirut Port
Reconnaissance patrol in the port led by a group of divers with torpedo boats.
12-11 October 1956 - El Arish Beach
Operation 'Kadesh': reconnaissance of landing beaches in Sinai by Shayetet 13 forces with two boats led by the destroyer Noga (K-22).
1 November 1956 - Sharm El Sheikh
Operation 'Hassida': Attack on Sharm El Sheikh was canceled mid-air as pilots did not identify the target.
9-10 July 1958 - Beirut Port
Shayetet 13 force under Yochai Ben-Nun was transported in two torpedo boats under the command of Yitzhak Shoshan. The operation ended successfully despite noisy extraction.
1958 - Haifa Port Breakwater
Establishment of a fixed base for "pig" training under the name 'Alba'.
29 September 1959 - Shayetet Base
Explosion in the torpedo boat shed due to assembly error. 5 boats were completely destroyed and 11 were damaged. No casualties.
February 1960 - Shayetet Base
Unveiling of the bat emblem for 25 soldiers.
1961 - Shayetet Base
Separation of the school under the command of Amnon Ben-Zion from the combat units.
16 March 1962 - Eastern Kinneret
Underwater raid on Kursi fortifications was canceled due to loss of surprise.
17 August 1966 - Eastern Kinneret
Shayetet 13 unit under Reuven Pinhas attempted to rescue the Kinneret patrol boat. The Syrian MIG was covered by fire and the operation failed.
6-7 February 1967 - Beirut Port
Underwater raid on the Beirut port under the command of Shalom Lipshitz. The raid was successful and resulted in the destruction of the harbor facilities.
October 1967 - South Lebanon
Shayetet 13 operation against the Syrian coastal defense system near Sidon.
August 1968 - Haifa Port
Training with the latest equipment in collaboration with the US Navy.
July 1971 - Operation 'Zufin'
Sabotage operation on a hostile ship in the Port of Ashdod.
1972 - Palestinian terrorist attack
Rescue operation in response to a terrorist attack on an Israeli ship.
1982 - Lebanon War
Participation in Operation Peace for Galilee, including raids on PLO positions in Lebanon.
1990 - Persian Gulf War
Special operations in the Gulf region during the war.
3 January 2002 - Sharm El Sheikh
Operation Noah's Ark: Hijacking of the Karine A ship involving the Air Force, Shayetet 13, and the IDF's Sayeret Matkal.
2006 - Lebanon War
Operations in Lebanon during the conflict with Hezbollah.
3 November 2009 - Eastern Mediterranean
Operation 'Arba'at HaMinim': Hijacking of the Frankop ship by Shayetet 13 forces transported by missile boats.
30 May 2010 - Eastern Mediterranean
Operation 'Mavi Marmara': Hijacking of the Mavi Marmara ship involving Shayetet 13 and encountering violent resistance. Nine militants killed and 20 wounded. Ten IDF soldiers injured.
15 March 2011 - Approximately 200 nautical miles west of Israel
Operation 'Iron Law': Quiet hijacking of the Victoria ship carrying weapons, including anti-ship missiles for Hamas, led by Shayetet 13 and three Sa'ar 5-class corvettes.
14–21 November 2012 - Gaza Strip
Participation in Operation Pillar of Defense with Shayetet 13 forces, Sa'ar 5-class corvettes, and naval commando units.
5 March 2014 - Southern Red Sea
Operation 'Full Exposure': Hijacking of the KLOS-C ship carrying weapons and rockets from Iran to Gaza by Shayetet 13 and Navy units.
8 July – 26 August 2014 - Gaza Strip
Participation in Operation Protective Edge with Shayetet 13 and naval forces.
2021 - Operation Guardian of the Walls
Involvement in the recent conflict with Hamas, focusing on special operations.
7 October 2023 – Present - Gaza Strip
Involvement in the Iron Swords war with Shayetet 13 and naval forces.
12 February 2024 - Rafah Refugee Camp
Operation 'Golden Hand': Involvement of Shayetet 13, Yamam, Unit 5515, and other units.
8 June 2024 - Nusayrat
Operation 'Arnon': Participation of Shayetet 13, Yamam, 5515, Paratroopers Brigade, Givati Brigade, 7th Brigade, and Kfir Brigade.
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The Elite Unit of Shayetet 13
In the elite unit of Shayetet 13, values like loyalty and courage are paramount. Each member embodies strong ethics, making decisions that prioritize the mission's success and the safety of their team.
Time management is critical; every second counts during operations, requiring precision and discipline.
Just as Shayetet 13 relies on teamwork and skill, "Expert Chase" empowers users to cultivate expertise through collaboration and strategic thinking, ultimately enhancing personal and collective growth.
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