Multidimensional Unit (IDF)

Multidimensional Unit / Unit 888
Multidimensional Unit / Unit 888
	Unit 888 Insignia
Active	2019–present
Country	Israel
Allegiance	Israel Defense Forces
Branch	Israeli Ground Forces
Type	Combined Arms
Role	Direct action; Intelligence gathering
Size	Battalion
Part of	99th Infantry Division (Reserve) (He); Maneuvering Corps; GOC Army Headquarters
Nickname(s)	"Refaim" (Ghosts)
Motto(s)	Proverbs 9:18-“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18
Commanders
Current; commander	Tal Ashure

The Multidimensional Unit (Hebrew: היחידה הרב-ממדית), designated as Unit 888 and also known as the “Refaim” Unit (Hebrew: יחידת רפאים, lit. 'Ghost Unit'), is an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Special Operations task force serving under the Ground Forces. It was established in 2019 by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kokhavi.^[3]

Role and training

The Multidimensional Unit is intended to be a highly versatile unit that combines various fields of warfare, including infantry, engineering, anti-tank warfare, aerial warfare and intelligence collection. The unit is used as a model for testing new warfare innovations intended for potential use by the rest of the IDF.^[4]

Enlisted personnel selected for Unit 888 must go through physical and mental selection process before starting training. Due to the unit's flexible nature and its task of innovating the IDF, soldiers are tested in the fields of creativity and problem-solving, as well as undergoing regular special forces selection processes. 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.

In February 2020, the unit's insignia was revealed, depicting a sword within a number 8 featuring arrows flowing in different directions. The pommel of the sword features the binary code "1101111000" representing the decimal number - 888.^[5]

On 7 October 2023, Unit 888 commander Roi Levi was killed by the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades in the battle of Re'im.^[6]

Key operational details of Unit 888
Aspect	Details
Unit name	Multidimensional Unit, Unit 888, "Ghost Unit"
Establishment	2019 by IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi
Purpose	Highly versatile unit combining infantry, engineering, anti-tank, aerial warfare, intelligence collection; testing new warfare innovations
Size	Unknown
Classified Status	While the existence of the unit is publicly known, many of its operations and capabilities remain classified.
Commander	Col. Roy Levy (killed on October 7, 2023); current commander is unknown
Affiliation	Ground Forces, part of 99th Division
Operations	First ground operation in Gaza on January 13, 2024; active in Jabalya and northern Gaza
Technologies used	Advanced drones, Iron Sting precision mortars, small drones for surveillance and strikes
Tactical approach	Combines artillery and airborne assets at small unit level, uses drones for precision strikes
Achievements	Destruction of anti-tank missile positions, elimination of terrorists (IDF estimates 9,000), location of weapons in civilian areas