5 Countries with the Highest Number of Military Special Forces in the World

2. Israel

Special Forces: 13

Israel has one of the highest numbers of military special forces units in the world. Sayeret Matkal is its most well-known and respected elite forces unit, with the group taking part in nearly every Israeli special forces operation since the founding of the country. It is Israel’s primary unit for hostage rescue and intelligence gathering operations. Applicants go through rigorous training before they join the Sayaret Maktal.

Another prominent Israeli military special force is the Shayetet-13, which is the country’s equivalent to the US Navy SEALs. The unit takes part in both land and sea operations, and is considered among the best special forces in the world.

Shaldag is the special forces unit of the Israeli Air Force, while Egoz specializes in guerilla warfare. Duvdevan, on the other hand, is noted for conducting undercover operations in the West Bank and Gaza. Other notable special force units in Israel include 669 Search & Rescue, Yahalom, Choshen C4I, Oketz, Alpine Unit, Depth Corps, Meitar Unit, and Underwater Special Missions Unit.