MAR 28, 2024 JLM 71°F 06:59 PM 12:59 PM EST
Special IDF Document: Special unit "Yaltam"

In the Naval arm, the IDF understood the need for operational work below the surface, and already in the 1980s they set up Yaltam - the unit for underwater missions.

"This is an extraordinary unit," says Lt. Col. Oron Inbar, commander of the Yaltam, "Both in the IDF, and in the security forces in general. Professional for the purpose of locating, disposing of and destroying weapons in the submarine medium.

Yaltam works in the depths of the sea, up to 100 meters below the water's surface. They operate in all sorts of diving methods, such as underwater vehicles (robots), and gliders that allow for safe scanning missions.

"We are part of the sea arm, but in practice we also help other arms, such as rescuing Air Force aircraft that fall into the water, or cooperating with search and rescue squads," the commander said.

Between 30-20% of the unit's work, he explains, is generally devoted to unplanned events: "We pop up to help, for example, to clear suspicious vessels, neutralize suspicious objects, and work with police dealing with dangerous weapons or suspects in the navy."

Their work includes, as Lt. Col. Inbar testifies, in participating in Navy ops, underwater photography and more: "In the end, we give service to those who need it."

Yaltam fighters go through a lot on the way to specializing in these complex skills: “The time spent underwater is limited. We may be exposed to poisoning, cold and other multi-system vulnerabilities. The preparation required is intensive."

The training, which lasts about a year, is undergone by the fighters at the Navy Yaltam base. At the end, as divers, they join the Yaltam unit for advanced sabotage training. 

"In addition to everything," notes Lt. Col. Inbar, "we are part of a marine environment conservation project, helping to clean up underwater areas and improving infrastructure that is adapted to it. It represents to me precisely that the unit is very family and value-based. We are proud of our mission and glorious heritage."

The uniqueness of the Yaltam, the unit concludes, is that they work in the most mysterious place in the world - from the depths of the sea. As part of their military service, the unit's soldiers get a glimpse into this dimension little known to man.

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Comments
Moshe Moses 06:51 18.03.2022
G-d bless this 🇮🇱Israeli underwater unit may G-d keep you safe always as you continue to protect Israel 24/7 Shabbat Shalom
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