Unit 8200
| Unit 8200 | |
|---|---|
| יחידה 8200 | |
 | |
| Founded | 1952 |
| Country |  Israel |
| Allegiance |  Israel Defense Forces |
| Branch | Template:Country data IDF Military Intelligence Directorate |
| Type | Military intelligence unit |
| Role | Clandestine operations Collecting signal intelligence and code decryption Counterintelligence Cyberwarfare HUMINT Intelligence assessment Military intelligence Strategic intelligence Surveillance |
| Size | Classified |
| Decorations | Chief of Staff Medal of Appreciation (2) |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Brigadier General Yossi Sariel |
| Current deputy commander | Anonymous officer |
Unit 8200 is a secretive intelligence unit within the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). It specializes in collecting signals intelligence (SIGINT), decoding codes, cyber operations, and surveillance. Often compared to the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA), Unit 8200 plays a crucial role in Israel's intelligence community.
Staff
[change | change source]The unit primarily consists of young soldiers aged 18 to 21. Due to their short service period, recruits are selected for their quick learning abilities. Some are identified through after-school programs that teach computer coding and hacking skills, serving as feeder programs for the unit.
Command structure
[change | change source]Unit 8200 is led by a commander and a deputy commander, whose identities are typically kept secret. As of February 2021, Brigadier General Yossi Sariel served as the commander until his resignation in September 2024.
Activities
[change | change source]The unit's responsibilities include:
- Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): Intercepting and analyzing electronic communications.
- Code Decryption: Breaking encrypted messages.
- Cyber Warfare: Conducting offensive and defensive cyber operations.
- Counterintelligence: Identifying and countering espionage threats.
- Human Intelligence (HUMINT): Gathering information from human sources.
- Intelligence Assessment: Analyzing data to inform military decisions.
Unit 8200 also oversees Unit Hatzav, which collects open-source intelligence from media and the internet.
Infrastructure
[change | change source]The Urim SIGINT Base, located in the Negev desert, is a key installation for Unit 8200. Equipped with satellite dishes and antennas, it intercepts communications from various regions and forwards the data to Unit 8200's headquarters for analysis.
Alumni impact
[change | change source]Many former Unit 8200 members have gone on to establish or lead successful technology companies, particularly in the cybersecurity and information technology sectors. Their experience in the unit provides them with valuable skills applicable in the civilian tech industry.
Other websites
[change | change source]- Enter Unit 8200: Israel arms for cyberwar, UPI, 11 May 2011
- Unit 8200: Israel's cyber spy agency, 10 July 2015
- Unit 8200 IDF.il