Elite commando unit cited for anti-terror fight

IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot has decided to award the Duvdevan commando unit with a citation of excellence for their “nonstop efforts” in combating terrorism in the West Bank, the army says.

Throughout the past year, which marked a considerable uptick in the number of attacks, the elite unit, which often operates undercover, has played a dominant role in counterterrorism, the IDF says.

“The unit has taken part in hundreds of operations, under complex fighting conditions, with the goal of arresting suspects, foiling terror attacks and striking a blow at the terrorist infrastructure,” the army says in a statement.

A video compiled by the army to mark the occassion shows the unit carrying out operations in homes and urban areas of the West Bank.

“The Duvdevan unit has developed and made use of specialized weaponry that has strengthened its operational effectiveness and increased the capabilities of undercover soldiers,” the army adds.

The date of the award ceremony has not yet been announced.

— Judah Ari Gross