Unit 217, frequently called Duvdevan (Hebrew: דובדבן; lit. cherry) is an elite special operations force within the Israel Defense Forces, part of the Commando Brigade.
Duvdevan are noted for undercover operations in urban areas, during which they often wear Arab civilian clothes as a disguise. They are also known to be trained in human and mechanical counter-surveillance. Unlike other special forces units, they can operate independently in more than one place at a time. The unit performs many high-risk and complicated operations, including targeted killing, kidnappings, and a range of other undercover operations in Arab areas, many of which are classified.
Along with Sayeret Matkal, soldiers in Duvdevan are the only soldiers in the IDF authorized to wear their uniforms without identifying shoulder tabs.