Two weeks after drafting the training commanders decide where each soldier will serve ( either Infantry Forces or Mounted Forces ) based upon the psychological , physical , and motivational state of the soldier . The best qualified soldiers from the Infantry Forces can then try out for the Combat Intelligence special forces . The training base exists in the southern region of the Negev Desert , close to Eilat . Israel has a long history of intelligence units and operations , dating back to the Palmach 's " German Platoon " ( aka the Middle East Commando ) . After the creation of the IDF , field intelligence units were formed on an '' ad-hoc '' basis , by the Regional Commands . In 1993 , the first dedicated field intelligence unit meant for operating in any front , the '' Yahmam '' ( abbreviation for Target Field Intelligence , also known as the Nitzan Commando ) , was created . The unit was designated to provide intelligence in real time and sighting enemy targets . It was appended to the GOC Army Headquarters and its soldiers wore black berets , even though they were under the direct command of the General Staff . During the 1982 – 2000 South Lebanon Conflict , it operated as an elite outfit tasked with collecting combat intelligence . After the February 4 , 1997 Israeli helicopter disaster , in which the unit lost two men out of a total of 73 killed , the Supreme Court of Israel instructed to reveal their names , and consequently , the unit 's existence was revealed to the public
1997 Israeli helicopter disaster
1997 Israeli helicopter disaster
Combat Intelligence Collection Corps