The Multidimensional Unit, also known as Unit 888 or the “Refaim” Unit (Hebrew: יחידת רפאים, lit. 'Ghost Unit'), is an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Special Operations task force operating under the Ground Forces. Established in 2019 by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi as part of the "Momentum" program, the unit aims to develop new warfare tactics and adapt to evolving threats and battlefield conditions.^[4] It integrates multiple warfare domains—including infantry, engineering, anti-tank warfare, aerial warfare, and intelligence collection—and serves as a testing ground for new military technologies.^[5]

The Multidimensional Unit was established in 2019 under the IDF's "Momentum" program (known as "Tnufa" in Hebrew), a multi-year initiative to enhance military capabilities in response to emerging threats.^[5] The unit was publicly announced on January 1 2020. Its headquarters had been established earlier, and initial combat troops were allocated shortly before the announcement.^[6] In February 2020, the unit unveiled its insignia: a sword within the number 8, with arrows in various directions, and a pommel displaying the binary code "1101111000" (representing the decimal number - 888).^[7]

A notable event in its history occurred on October 7, 2023, when its first commander, Colonel Roi Levy, was killed during the battle of Re'im in the Israel–Hamas war.^[8]

Unit 888 is designed for versatility, combining infantry, engineering, anti-tank warfare, aerial warfare, and intelligence collection into a cohesive force.^[5] It serves as a testing ground for new warfare tactics and technologies. The unit supports the "Momentum" program's focus on the "sensor to shooter" loop, which aims to detect targets (sensors) and strike them (shooters) more quickly and effectively. This work aims to influence broader IDF strategies.^[5] While its exact structure remains classified, it reportedly draws personnel from elite units like the Nahal Brigade and Paratroopers Brigade, suggesting a composition of highly skilled soldiers.^[9] The unit is led by a colonel, as exemplified by its first commander, Colonel Roi Levy.^[10]

Enlisted personnel selected for Unit 888 must go through a physical and mental selection process before starting training. Because of the unit’s flexible nature and its mission to develop new tactics within the IDF, soldiers undergo regular special forces selection processes while also being tested for creativity and problem-solving skills. Combat training includes enduring extreme physical and mental challenges for over 14–16 months, which not all trainees can complete. Those who successfully complete training may receive additional training specializing in a specific field. ^{[citation needed]}

The unit has been active in the Israel–Hamas war, with a significant loss on 7 October 2023, when Colonel Roi Levy was killed in the battle of Re'im.^[11] The unit saw its operational debut on January 13, 2024, conducting its first ground operation in Gaza, including activity in Jabalya and northern Gaza, where it operated advanced technologies like armed drones and precision mortars.^[12]

• Inauguration Ceremony, February 2020
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Media related to Multidimensional Unit (IDF) at Wikimedia Commons

• Such a unit was never in the IDF – until today, on IDF website, January 2020