Multidimensional Unit (IDF)
{{Short description|Israeli Special Operations task force}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Multidimensional Unit / Unit 888
| image = תג יחידת רפאים.png
| image_size = 143px
| caption = Unit 888 Insignia
| dates = 2019–present
| country = {{flag country|Israel}}
| allegiance = {{armed forces|Israel}}
| branch = {{army|Israel}}
| type = Combined Arms
| size = Battalionhttps://news.walla.co.il/item/3332603
| command_structure = 99th Infantry Division (Reserve) (He)
Maneuvering Corps
GOC Army Headquarters
| garrison =
| nickname = "Refaim" (Ghosts)
| motto = Proverbs 9:18–“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18Hebrew: ״וְלֹא יָדַע כִּי רְפָאִים שָׁם״. Translation from KJV
| colors =
| march =
| mascot =
| battles = * Operation Guardian of the Walls
- Operation Breaking Dawn
- Gaza war
- Surprise attack on the western Negev
- Battle of Re'im
- First Battle of Jabalia
- Third Battle of Jabalia
| anniversaries =
| notable_commanders = Colonel Roi Levy
| specialization = Direct action
Intelligence gathering
Tactical development
Testing military technology
| ceremonial_chief =
}}
File:Iron swords-Multidimensional Unit-013.jpg
The Multidimensional Unit, also known as Unit 888 or the “Refaim” Unit ({{Langx|he|יחידת רפאים|4=Ghost Unit|rtl=yes}}), is an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Special Operations task force operating under the Ground Forces. Established in 2019 by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi as part of the "Momentum" program, the unit aims to develop new warfare tactics and adapt to evolving threats and battlefield conditions.{{cite news |title=IDF forms first ‘multi-dimensional’ unit |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/idf-forms-first-multi-dimensional-unit |date=2 January 2020 |website=Jane's Information Group}} It integrates multiple warfare domains—including infantry, engineering, anti-tank warfare, aerial warfare, and intelligence collection—and serves as a testing ground for new military technologies.{{cite news |title=Information about Unit 888 in The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/new-year-new-multi-dimensional-combat-unit-in-the-idf-612769 |date=1 January 2020}}
Historical context and establishment
The Multidimensional Unit was established in 2019 under the IDF's "Momentum" program (known as "Tnufa" in Hebrew), a multi-year initiative to enhance military capabilities in response to emerging threats. The unit was publicly announced on January 1, 2020. Its headquarters had been established earlier, and initial combat troops were allocated shortly before the announcement.{{Cite news |title=A look into the IDF’s mysterious new elite unit that could revolutionize the battlefield |date= 20 October 2020|url=https://www.jns.org/a-look-into-the-idfs-mysterious-new-elite-unit-that-could-revolutionize-the-battlefield/}} In February 2020, the unit unveiled its insignia: a sword within the number 8, with arrows in various directions, and a pommel displaying the binary code "1101111000" (representing the decimal number - 888).{{Cite web |date=25 February 2020 |title=״לא בכל יום מוטלת אחריות כבדה כל כך על כתפיה של יחידה אחת״ |url=https://www.idf.il/מאמרים/2020/מסדר-להקמת-היחידה-הרב-ממדית/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=IDF Website}}
A notable event in its history occurred on October 7, 2023, when its first commander, Colonel Roi Levy, was killed during the battle of Re'im in the Gaza war.{{Cite web |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=8 October 2023 |title=Authorities name 841 soldiers, 69 police officers killed in Gaza war |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/authorities-name-44-soldiers-30-police-officers-killed-in-hamas-attack/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=The Times of Israel}}
Role and structure
Unit 888 is designed for versatility, combining infantry, engineering, anti-tank warfare, aerial warfare, and intelligence collection into a cohesive force. It serves as a testing ground for new warfare tactics and technologies. The unit supports the "Momentum" program's focus on the "sensor to shooter" loop, which aims to detect targets (sensors) and strike them (shooters) more quickly and effectively. This work aims to influence broader IDF strategies. While its exact structure remains classified, it reportedly draws personnel from elite units like the Nahal Brigade and Paratroopers Brigade, suggesting a composition of highly skilled soldiers.{{cite news |title=888: First recruitment to the classified unit that will hunt down Hezbollah's elite fighters |url=https://www.newsrael.com/posts/0u7970nqkj7 |website=Newsreal (in Hebrew)}} The unit is led by a colonel, as exemplified by its first commander, Colonel Roi Levy.
Training
Enlisted personnel selected for Unit 888 must go through a physical and mental selection process before starting training. Because of the unit's flexible nature and its mission to develop new tactics within the IDF, soldiers undergo regular special forces selection processes while also being tested for creativity and problem-solving skills. Combat training includes enduring extreme physical and mental challenges for over 14–16 months, which not all trainees can complete. Those who successfully complete training may receive additional training specializing in a specific field. {{Citation needed|date=January 2025}}
File:Iron swords-Multidimensional Unit-003.jpg during the Iron Swords War]]
Operational engagements
The unit has been active in the Gaza war, with a significant loss on 7 October 2023, when Colonel Roi Levy was killed in the battle of Re'im. The unit saw its operational debut on January 13, 2024, conducting its first ground operation in Gaza, including activity in Jabalya and northern Gaza, where it operated advanced technologies like armed drones and precision mortars.{{cite news |title=Gaza conflict is proving ground for Israel’s new high-tech Multidimensional Unit |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/01/gaza-conflict-is-proving-ground-for-israels-new-high-tech-multidimensional-unit/ |date=22 January 2024 |website=Breaking Defense}}
Summary table of key details
| class="wikitable" | |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Multidimensional Unit, Unit 888, "Ghost Unit" |
| Establishment | 2019 by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi |
| Purpose | Highly versatile unit combining infantry, engineering, anti-tank, aerial warfare, intelligence collection; testing new warfare tactics and technologies |
| Size | Battalion |
| Classified Status | While the existence of the unit is publicly known, many of its operations and capabilities remain classified. |
| Commander | Tal Ashure |
| Affiliation | Israeli Ground Forces, part of the 99th Infantry Division, Maneuvering Corps and the GOC Army Headquarters |
| Operations | First operation in Gaza on January 13, 2024; active in Jabalya and northern Gaza |
| Technologies used | Advanced drones, Iron Sting precision mortars, small drones for surveillance and strikes |
| Tactical approach | Combines artillery and airborne assets at small unit level, uses drones for precision strikes |
| Achievements | Destruction of anti-tank missile positions, elimination of terrorists, and location of weapons in civilian areas |
Gallery
File:Establishment ceremony of the multidimensional unit. I.webm
File:Establishment ceremony of the multidimensional unit. III.jpg
File:Establishment ceremony of the multidimensional unit. IV.jpg
File:Establishment ceremony of the multidimensional unit. V.jpg
File:Establishment ceremony of the multidimensional unit. VI.jpg
External links
{{Commons-inline}}
- [https://www.idf.il/מאמרים/2019/היחידה-הרב-ממדית/ Such a unit was never in the IDF – until today], on IDF website, January 2020