An Air Force “Yanshuf” helicopter crashed during the night (between Tuesday and Wednesday) in Rafah during a medical evacuation mission. Two soldiers were killed, and seven others were injured. The soldiers who died are Master Sergeant (Res.) Tom Ish-Shalom from Mitzpe Hoshaya and Master Sergeant (Res.) Daniel Alush from Tel Aviv-Jaffa.
In the event that claimed the lives of Daniel Alush and Tom Ish-Shalom, a female pilot, a reserve pilot, and an airborne mechanic from the “Desert Birds” (123) squadron were critically injured. Also injured were a reserve doctor and a reserve combat soldier from the elite Unit 669 (the IDF’s Special Tactical Rescue Unit). Additionally, a reserve combat doctor from Unit 669 and a reserve airborne mechanic from the “Desert Birds” squadron were moderately injured.
The soldiers who died served in Unit 669, one of the IDF’s elite units. Established in 1974, this unit leads Israel’s combat rescue efforts, specializing in rescue and evacuation operations under combat conditions on land, air, and sea.
Unit 669 members, often referred to as “Cats” due to the unit’s emblem, undergo an intense 18-month training period. This includes diverse skills ranging from emergency medicine to advanced rescue techniques. Their unique capabilities allow them to handle a wide range of scenarios, from rescuing pilots behind enemy lines to evacuating wounded soldiers from the battlefield.
Over the years, Unit 669 has participated in numerous military and civilian operations. The unit was notably active during the Second Lebanon War, where it was awarded a commendation for its actions. It is also well-known for its involvement in complex civilian rescues, such as the flood disaster in Nahal Tzafit in 2018.
Unit 669 continues to be a vital part of the IDF’s special forces and collaborates closely with other elite units. Its unique capabilities and extensive operational experience make it a model for combat rescue units worldwide.
The incident occurred overnight in the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip during the evacuation of a wounded soldier. The crash resulted in the deaths of two IDF soldiers and the injury of seven others. According to initial findings, the crash was not caused by enemy fire but occurred during landing.
The Air Force Commander has appointed a military investigation committee to examine the circumstances of the incident, including the helicopter’s condition, weather conditions, and operational protocols. Despite the severity of the incident, the IDF stresses that there has been no change in the operational activity of the Air Force, and missions continue as scheduled with a focus on safety and the lessons learned from the event.
