Only Nine of 1,000 Candidates Complete Training for Israels Elite Counter-Terror Unit
Israel's elite Yamam counter-terrorism unit has certified nine new operators after a rigorous nine-month training course for over 1,000 candidates.
Jerusalem, 23 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Just nine of more than 1,000 candidates completed the training required to join Israel’s elite National Counter-Terrorism Unit, known as Yamam, the Israel Police said on Wednesday.
The nine graduates were certified as full-fledged operators at a ceremony at the unit’s base in central Israel on Tuesday. The candidates, all veterans of combat and special forces units, underwent a rigorous selection process before beginning the approximately nine-month course. Training included counter-terrorism, assault tactics, hostage rescue and other operational skills, with trainees also participating in covert and overt missions alongside veteran operators.