Shin Bet Chief Zini makes first official visit to YAMAM counterterrorism unit, meets with deputy

Shin Bet Chief David Zini visited YAMAM for the first time, reviewing joint counterterrorism operations, technological capabilities, and the unit’s past hostage rescue missions in Gaza.Follow us on GoogleShin Bet Chief David Zini oversees operations on a visit to the YAMAM base on July 26, 2026. (photo credit: SHIN BET)ByRUBY SADIKMANJULY 27, 2026 16:16Shin Bet Chief David Zini officially visited Israel Police's Counterterrorism Unit (YAMAM) for the first time on Sunday, according to a statement from the Shin Bet and Israel Police.Zini met with YAMAM's head, Deputy-Chief "A," to discuss the partnership between the Shin Bet and YAMAM, including operational and technological responses to terrorism in Israel.The two security leaders reviewed recent achievements by the collaboration between their organizations, notably the successful prevention of terror threats that could've jeopardized the country's security.At the end of the visit, Zini laid a wreath at a memorial at the unit’s base to recognize the YAMAM lives lost in action.YAMAM was established in 1974 as one of four special units of the Border Police. It serves as a special force for counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and offensive raids.Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) Director David Zini visits at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, on April 21, 2026. (credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)YAMAM spearheaded Gaza hostage rescue missions After the October 7 Massacre, YAMAM helped execute two major hostage-rescue missions, including the June 8, 2024 Operation Arnon that brought Noa Argamani, Shlomi Ziv, Almog Meir Jan, and Andrey Kozlov home from Gaza.Earlier that year, the counter-terrorism unit rescued Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak residents Fernando Marman and Luis Har from Rafah in a covert nighttime raid. The Shin Bet and the IDF aided in the hostage missions as well.YAMAM and the Shin Bet often collaborate on high-risk operations, with the Shin Bet providing internal intelligence for YAMAM to carry out boots-on-the-ground missions.Zini took office as head of the Shin Bet on October 5, 2025, as Ronen Bar's replacement.Follow us on Google