Special forces, ethos and technology: The case of Israel’s Haruv Reconnaissance Unit

This chapter analyzes Sayeret Haruv - the ‘Carob’ Reconnaissance Unit operating between 1966 and 1974 as a special unit directly linked to the Central Command of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It specialized in anti-terrorism, counter-terrorism, and commando missions in the Jordan Valley between the Dead Sea and south of the Sea of Galilee. In only a few years the unit evolved into an elite force marked by the independent and selective recruitment of volunteer conscripts. At its height, it specialized in new modes of action, including cooperation with the air force (helicopters and airplanes) and navy (for attacks from the Dead Sea), and new types of equipment. It also developed a doctrine for hot, or armed, pursuit (Erez and Edelist 1983: 94).