Sayeret Matkal
 Sayeret Matkal    | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Motto | המעז מנצח (Who Dares Wins) |
| Formation | 1957 |
| Parent organization | Israel/Defense Forces |
| Type | • Special reconnaissance •  “Counter-terrorism” |
| Staff | Classified |
| Interests | “terrorism” |
General Staff Reconnaissance Unit, or Unit 269, more commonly known as Sayeret (special reconnaissance unit) Matkal, is the prime sayeret unit of the Israel Defense Forces. The Sayeret Matkal has been called "the most effective counterterrorism force in the world" by Vanity Fair, which described it as "a highly secretive special-operations brigade [which] has taken on mythic status".[1]
Activities
First and foremost a field intelligence-gathering unit, conducting deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines to obtain strategic intelligence, Sayeret Matkal is also tasked with counter-terrorism and hostage rescue beyond Israel's borders. The unit is modeled after the British Army's Special Air Service, taking the unit's motto "Who Dares, Wins". The unit is the Israeli equivalent of 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force) of the United States. It is directly subordinate to the IDF's Directorate of Military Intelligence.
