The Duvdevan Unit (217) was established in June 1986, with the understanding that a specific method of warfare should be developed to deal with various security events in the Judea and Samaria region, especially among densely populated civilian areas.

The unit is an elite unit dedicated to fighting in various areas and works to prevent terrorist activities and functions openly and undercover among the local Arab population.

In the wave of terrorism that began in 2015, the unit played a significant role in the daily struggle against terrorists in Judea and Samaria. Most of the significant arrests during this period can be attributed to the unit, including the arrest of the murderers of the Henkin couple, the arrest of the murderer of Dafna Meir, the arrest of the murderers of Rabbi Littman and his son, and many more. In October 2016 the unit received the Chief of Staff Citation for its work during the terror wave.

Once the unit joined the Commando Brigade, it began gradually expanding its operational activities in order to adapt itself to the dynamic methods of the brigade.