Metzada
Metzada is the elite operational unit of the Israel Prison Service (IPS), specialized in high-risk interventions, hostage rescue within correctional facilities, and counter-terrorism operations.
Metzada serves as the primary tactical intervention unit for the Israel Prison Service (IPS). While its core mandate involves maintaining order and security within Israel's prison system—specifically handling riots, hostage situations, and high-risk prisoner transfers—the unit's capabilities extend to broader national security missions. Metzada is recognized as one of Israel's four primary counter-terrorism units, alongside the Yamam (Police), Sayeret Matkal (IDF), and Shayetet 13 (Navy).
Operatives in Metzada are highly trained in close-quarters combat (CQC), non-lethal weaponry, and specialized entry techniques. The unit is frequently deployed to assist the Israel Police and the IDF in counter-terrorism operations in Judea and Samaria, particularly when specialized arrest techniques are required. Its members are recruited from elite IDF combat units and undergo a rigorous selection process and training period focused on the unique challenges of the prison environment and urban warfare.
In recent years, Metzada's role has expanded beyond the prison walls. The unit has become a critical component of Israel's internal security apparatus, participating in joint operations to apprehend wanted suspects and disrupt terror cells. This evolution reflects a broader trend in Israeli security where specialized units from different branches—police, military, and corrections—collaborate seamlessly to address multifaceted threats. The unit's involvement in external raids, such as those in the Samaria region, underscores its versatility and the high level of trust placed in its tactical proficiency by the broader defense establishment.