The Israeli army radio announced today, Saturday, the death of an officer in the "Yamam" unit, which participated in the operation to rescue four hostages from the Nuseirat area in the Gaza Strip. An Israeli police statement said that "the 36-year-old special forces officer Arnon Zamora was killed during the operation to rescue the hostages held in Gaza." The announcement of his death came after reports of him suffering serious injuries during the operation, which resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians in the Nuseirat camp. Israeli media reports indicated that the Yamam officer was seriously wounded during the mission to rescue the four hostages but died shortly thereafter due to his injuries.
With deep sorrow, the Israel Police and Border Guard announce the fall of the commander and fighter Captain Arnon Zamora, a member of the #Yamam unit during the heroic operation to retrieve the kidnapped individuals carried out today in the #Gaza Strip. The Israel Police and Border Guard extend their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and their friends and affirm their support to them.
#### What is the "Yamam" Unit?
- It is Israel's elite counter-terrorism unit, under the Border Police (Eng), specializing in "counter-terrorism."
- Established in 1974 by Border Police officer Sergeant Chaim Levi, with the task given to officer Reuven Yaakov (Nimrodi) to form the unit to confront kidnapping and hostage situations.
- The unit comprises veterans who have served in elite combat units of the Israeli army and seek a career within the police force, with the main requirement being three years of service as a combat soldier (typically in a special forces unit).
In 2007, only 7 out of 800 candidates reached the unit after a tough course, while in 2016, only 20 out of 1500 candidates passed the examination and training program. The Yamam is considered an independent unit, so its fighters are equipped with training, gear, weapons, and medical personnel, and it is divided into several units that train together to increase operational coordination. These include:
- **Assault and Breaching Unit**: Responsible for raiding houses and buildings to secure targets.
- **Monkey Unit**: Elite fighters specialized in climbing, sliding, and rapid descents.
- **Sniper Unit**: Trained for precise shooting and sniping at both short and long ranges, equipped with specialized sniper rifles, and considered among the best in the world.
- **Mista'arvim**: A sub-unit specializing in disguise and infiltrating among Arabs for arrests or assassinations.
- **Explosives Experts**: Responsible for handling and dismantling explosives.
- **Dogs**: Special dogs that perform assistance tasks.
- **Silent Team**: Aims to develop training for hostage rescue and counter-terrorism, as well as test new equipment and weapons.
