(NEWS) IDF Commandos Face Off Against US Navy SEALs On TV

"An American television program pits the Navy SEALs against Israeli commandos this week in the season finale of Spike TV's 'Deadliest Warrior.'

The program, now ending its second season, features warriors from two different sides, faced off against each other in various scenarios. 'We thought it would be a great finale because both are so iconic,' said executive producer Gary Tarpinian. 'They are among the greatest soldiers in the world.'

Tarpinian would not give away the ending, but said, 'this was maybe the closest battle we've ever had.'"



Israeli Commandos

Sayeret, literally means "reconnaissance unit" in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In practice, these units specialize in commando and other special forces roles, in addition to reconnaissance (the degree of specialization varies by units and current needs). Such units are usually a company or a battalion in strength.

Shayetet 13 is an elite Israel Defense Forces naval Special forces unit. The unit (S'13) is considered one of the top-three SF units in Israel (along with Sayeret Matkal - the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit - and Shaldag Unit - the Air Force commando unit). S'13 is the unit that specializes in maritime hostage rescue and counter-terrorist missions. Only a handful of Shayetet 13 missions have been publicized or otherwise missions publicly attributed to the unit.

Shaldag, meaning King Fishert, is an elite Israeli Air Force (IAF) commando. The missions of Shaldag are to deploy undetected into combat and hostile environments to conduct special reconnaissance, establish assault zones or airfields, while simultaneously conducting air traffic control and commando actions. Shaldag works from Palmachim Airbase.

The unit consists of 40-50 soldiers who work in teams of 8-9. Shaldag soldiers carry M16 or M4A1 assault rifles fitted with the M203 grenade launcher. For special missions, they carry Glock 17 and 19c 9mm series pistols and Mauser SR 82/66 sniper rifles.

Shaldag was founded in 1974, in the aftermath of the Yom Kippur War, by Muki Betzer, a Sayeret Matkal veteran who brought several Matkal veterans with him. Initially operating as a Sayeret Matkal reserve company, it was eventually transferred to the IAF.

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US Navy Seals

The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land Forces, commonly known as the Navy SEALs, are the Special Operations Forces of the United States Navy, employed in direct action and special reconnaissance operations. SEALs are also capable of employing unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, counter-terrorism, and other missions.

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