Yamas (Israel Border Police unit)
Yamas[1] (Hebrew: יחידת המסתערבים, Yehidat HaMista'arvim) is a special forces counter-terrorist unit attached to the Israeli Border Police, but directly subordinate to Shin Bet. A secret unit, known for its undercover counter-terrorist operations conducted in civilian Arab disguise within Arab territories. Its basic purpose is to deal with disturbances, demonstrations and neutralize the agitating factors, as well as to make harsh arrests in the heart of a hostile Arab population. Its uniqueness is the activity that takes place when the unit's fighters are disguised as Arabs. Its personnel do not wear uniforms and are not allowed to disclose their membership of the organization. The unit's sniper teams are considered to be amongst the best in Israel, having won numerous sniper awards.[2]
| Undercover Counter-Terrorism Unit | |
|---|---|
| YAMAS | |
| Active | 1991–present |
| Country |  Israel |
| Agency | Israel Police |
| Type | Police tactical unit |
| Role | Undercover counter-terrorism and law enforcement |
| Part of | Israel Border Police |
| Notables | |
| Significant operation(s) | First Intifada Second Intifada |
References
- "ימ"ס | יחידת המסתערבים של משמר הגבול". אדרנלין (in Hebrew). 2021-05-12. Retrieved 2022-04-21.
- http://www.mazi.idf.il/113-11922-he/IGF.aspx
- Deflem, Mathieu. 2012. "Yehida Mishtartit Mistaravim (YAMAS) (Israel)." pp. 71–72 in Counterterrorism: From the Cold War to the War on Terror, Vol. 2, edited by Frank G. Shanty. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger/ABC-CLIO.