Yamas (Israel Border Police unit)

Yamas[1] (Hebrew: יחידת המסתערבים, Yehidat HaMista'arvim) is a SWAT tier 1 tasked with black operation, clandestine operation, counterterrorism, covert operation, hostage rescue, irregular warfare operation, serving high-risk arrest and search warrants, special operations, special reconnaissance, and VIP protection attached to the Israeli Border Police,[2] but directly subordinate to Shin Bet. A secret unit, known for its undercover counterterrorism operations conducted in civilian Arab disguise within Arab territories. Its basic purpose is to deal with disturbances, demonstrations and neutralize the agitating factors, as well as to make harsh arrests in the heart of a hostile Arab population. Its uniqueness is the activity that takes place when the unit's fighters are disguised as Arabs. Its personnel do not wear uniforms and are not allowed to disclose their membership of the organization. The unit's sniper teams are considered to be amongst the best in Israel, having won numerous sniper awards.[3]

Undercover Counter-Terrorism Unit
YAMAS
Active	1991–present
Country	Israel
Agency	Israel Border Police
Type	Police tactical unit
Role	Air assault Black operation Bomb disposal CBRN defense Clandestine operation Close-quarters combat Cold-weather warfare Counterinsurgency Counterterrorism Covert operation Crowd control Desert warfare Direct action Executive protection Forward observer High-value target Hostage rescue HUMINT Irregular warfare Law enforcement Long-range penetration Medical evacuation Mountain warfare Parachuting Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Signals intelligence Special operations Special reconnaissance Tactical emergency medical services Tracking Urban warfare
Part of	Israel Border Police
Notables
Significant operation(s)	First Intifada Second Intifada

Group picture of Yamas members, 1991

During a training exercise.