צילום: IDF Spokesperson's Unit // The aftermath of the Sabena raid in 1972, in which Sayeret Matkal commandos stormed the hijacked Belgian carrier dressed as technicians. Pictured above, Ehud Barak (in white technician suit).

The night when myths were born

The IDF's elite reconnaissance unit, Sayeret Matkal, is known for its daring missions behind enemy lines, most of which are still classified • The unit's veterans have become political leaders, academics and educators and are represented in virtually every part of Israeli society • Next week marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Spring of Youth, in which members of Fatah's senior leadership were assassinated in Beirut. • Ahead of the publication of a new book, its former members speak.