| Unit 217 | |
|---|---|
| יחידה 217 | |
 Combat pin of Unit 217 | |
| Active | 1986–present |
| Country |  Israel |
| Type | Mistaʽaravim |
| Role | counter-terrorism |
| Part of | 89th "Oz" Brigade |
| Nickname(s) | Duvdevan (דובדבן) |
| Motto(s) | כִּ֣י בְ֖תַחְבֻּלוֹת תַּעֲשֶׂה־לְּךָ֣ מִלְחָמָ֑ה "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war" (Proverbs 24:6) |
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Unit 217, frequently calledDuvdevan (Hebrew:דובדבן,lit. 'cherry'), is amistaʽaravim unit in theCommando Brigade of theIsrael Defense Forces.
It is notable for its undercover operations in urban areas, during which its operators often wear civilian clothing to disguise themselves among the localArab populace.[1] The unit is also known to have highly trained members in both human and mechanicalcounter-surveillance. Unit 217 performs many high-risk and complicated operations, includingtargeted killings of militants and a range of other undercover operations inArab regions, many of which are classified.[citation needed]
According to theIsrael Defense Forces (IDF), Unit 217[2] was established in June 1986 to deal with "security events" in theWest Bank, especially in its densely populated civilian areas. During the2015–2016 violence wave, the unit was involved in the arrests of the killers ofEitam and Naʽama Henkin, Hafna Meir, andrabbi Yaʽakov Littman (sometimes spelled Litman) and his son. For its work during this period, Unit 217 received theIsraeli Chief of Staff citation.[3]
Roni Numa was a commander of the Duvdevan Unit before being promoted toaluf (major general).[4]
Upon joining the Commando Brigade, Unit 217 expanded its operational activities.[3]
The unit is part of the"Oz" 89th Commando Brigade (a brigade dedicated solely to special operations), butDuvdevan operators undergo basic training in theParatroopers Brigade. Unit 217 is most similar to theYamas unit of theIsrael Border Police.
TheNetflix television seriesFauda focuses on a fictional Israeli elite unit modeled after Duvdevan.[5] The series was co-created byLior Raz andAvi Issacharoff; Raz formerly served in the unit.[5][6]
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| National | |
