IDF Ends Cooperation With Yatir ATV Association Following Investigative Report
An investigative report by Shomrim and Calcalist revealed that Yatir, an ATV unit claiming to be an official IDF unit, is actually a nonprofit organization raising millions of shekels annually through donations, including from American donors. The organization conducted donor tours in sensitive areas such as Gaza and the Syrian border between 2024 and 2025 using military vehicles. Following the report, the IDF’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Tamir Yadai, ordered a halt to all cooperation with Yatir. The West Bank Division, which had classified Yatir as a mobile unit, also ceased its collaboration last week.
The IDF initially responded ambiguously, stating it was not involved in the private activities of the civilian Yatir association. Later, the IDF clarified that as part of a broader reserve force reduction, the unit’s staffing was cut and its downsizing is under review. However, some vehicles remained in the West Bank Division and were recently relocated to the Golan Heights.
Yatir, founded about a decade ago by Zuri'el Raviv, a former IDF sergeant, operates with paid staff and a donation-driven fundraising system, mostly from abroad. In 2023, it raised 7.5 million shekels, increasing to nearly 9.8 million shekels in 2024. Initially a civilian volunteer group cooperating with the Border Police, Yatir expanded its activities significantly after joining the IDF in 2023, especially in the West Bank. A former senior officer described the group as providing unique off-road vehicles mainly for capturing illegal infiltrators. After the October 7 massacre and the war outbreak, Yatir became part of the West Bank Division.
Critics expressed shock at the IDF’s tolerance of an organization that raises millions, brings donors into sensitive areas, and controls military vehicles. With the IDF severing ties, Yatir is reportedly strengthening cooperation with the Israeli Police. Raviv has a criminal record from the early 2000s for forgery and fraud. Previously, cooperation with the police was halted but later reinstated. Given Raviv’s connections to National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who awarded Yatir a "National Rescue Body" certificate in February, a return to police collaboration seems likely.
The Israeli Police stated that Yatir volunteers serve as official police volunteers with authorized powers and assist in emergencies as a recognized rescue organization. The police did not comment on Raviv’s criminal record, and Raviv himself did not respond to requests for comment.
