Sayeret Sayeret ( Hebrew : סיירת , pl . : " sayarot " ) , literally means " reconnaissance unit " in the Israel Defense Forces ( IDF ) . They specialize in intelligence gathering and surveillance . In practice , these units specialize in commando and other special forces roles , in addition to reconnaissance ( the degree of specialization varies by units and current needs ) . Such units are usually a company or a battalion in strength . Sayeret units in the IDF . All combat brigade s in the IDF have a unit with improved weaponry and training used for reconnaissance and special forces missions , trained to use advanced weapons and reconnaissance technology , as well as hand - to - hand combat . Historically the brigades used to only have one company - sized unit outfitted to do this job , known as Palsar ( Hebrew Contraction of : פלוגת - סיור , " Plugat Siyur " ( singular ) / " Plugot Siyur " ( plural ) , " Reconnaissance Company " ) . Although the Palsar are mostly oriented at battlefield support ( which is their " raison d ' être " ) , many have participated in special operations during recent years . All infantry units as well as some armored units have Palsar . While in the past there were differences between the " siyur " units , due to the experiences of the past decades the IDF is now consolidating them into larger units with many different capabilities : battalion - sized units called Gadsar ( contraction of " Gdud siyur " , " Reconnaissance battalion " ) . Each " Gadsar " is made up of three specialized " Plugot " ( companies ) : Demolitions and combat engineering ( " Plugat Heil Handasa " , or Palhan ) , Reconnaissance ( " Plugat Siyur " , Palsar ) and Anti - Tank / Heavy Weapons ( " Pluga Neged Tankim " , or Palnat ) . This is part of the Yatah ( " Low - Intensity Combat Unit " ) Project . This project aims at changing the Reconnaissance battalions into specialized urban counter terror units , that are specifically trained and equipped to operate in current combat situations . Other " sayarot " are larger units , operating under corps and commands . There are several battalion - size special forces units which report directly to regional , functional ( navy / air - force ) and the general commands . The best known of these are Sayeret Matkal , Shayetet 13 and Yehidat Shaldag . Known Sayeret units . Principal 3 special forces units . These three specific units are considered the most elite & prestigious of all special forces units in the IDF . The training and selection for these 3 units is the longest , most selective , most grueling , and more extensive than any other IDF units . Their operators are proficient in long range solo navigation , as opposed to other units where long range navigation is done with a minimum of 2 fighters . Infantry Corps . Also , four of the five infantry brigades ( Golani , Givati , Nahal and Paratroopers ) operate their own Palsars , the infantry " sayarot " . Each unit is subordinate to a specific regional command , though they are not restricted to these . " Gibush " ( Selection ) . Young Israelis wanting to serve in the " sayarot " usually go to Yom Sayarot ( Reconnaissance Units Day ) . Held at the Wingate Institute , " Yom Sayarot " is a day where prospective recruits undergo a series of physical and mental tests to evaluate their aptitude for service in several units . Those wanting to join Sayeret Matkal , Shaldag , Unit 669 , Shayetet 13 , the submarine service or " Hovlim " ( Naval Officers Course ) must go to Yom Sayarot and perform the respective tests for each service option . Other " sayarot " recruit their operatives from the best recruits of the respective parent units . For instance , those who excel during training in the Tzanhanim Brigade are invited to try to join Duvdevan or Palsar Tzanhanim ; the best of recruits of the Armored Corps are invited to apply for service in the Armored reconnaissance units , etc . Drop - outs from some " sayarot " might be able join other , less demanding " sayarot " units . For instance , drop - outs from Shayetet 13 migh be able to go to Unit Yaltam or Yaban ; drop - outs from Shaldag can end up in Unit Yanmam . The reserve " sayarot " such as Alpinistim or LOTAR Eilat usually recruit its members after they finished the mandatory 3 - year service in some units : Alpinistim draws its members primarily from Golani and LOTAR Eilat draws its members from former " kravi " ( soldiers that served in a combat unit ) that live in Eilat .