Special forces of Israel

: sayarot), or reconnaissance units in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) nomenclature, specialize in intelligence gathering and surveillance.

They are considered to have had a significant influence on the development of subsequent Israeli special forces units.

Although the Palsar are mostly oriented at battlefield support (which is their raison d'être), many have participated in special operations over the years.

In late December 2015, several IDF special forces units were transferred to the Oz Brigade.

The regular five infantry brigades (Golani, Givati, Nahal, Kfir and the Paratroopers) operate their own Palsars, today joint with Pal'nat and Pal'han to form a "Gad'sar/G'dud Siur", or Reconnaissance Battalion.

Ariel Sharon (left), and Aharon Davidi (center), before a reprisal operation , 1955.
Israeli officers of the Paratrooper Battalion 890 in 1955 with Moshe Dayan (standing, third from the left). Ariel Sharon is standing, second from the left and commando Meir Har Zion is standing furthest left.
Shayetet 13 commandos prepare for an exercise aboard a warship
Egoz operators blend into the landscape of the Golan Heights.
IDF Alpinist Unit dispatched to Mount Hermon