The Lotar Unit (acronym for Counter-Terrorism) is an elite IDF unit responsible for training all IDF special forces in counter-terrorism, sniping, breaching and other areas related to close-quarters combat across two main circles of battlefield fighters: intervention and takeover. The unit belongs to the Infantry Corps and is trained as a commando unit. In parallel, its fighters conduct training, missions, and diverse special operations. During emergencies, the unit is active and on constant standby to handle special combat events.
Sagi Golan is one of the most prominent and impressive figures to emerge from the unit—a commander who brings a rare combination of uncompromising professionalism, heavy responsibility, total dedication, and deep humanity. Already at the start of his path, after being selected for Bahad 1 in the unit's first designated cycle, it was clear he was a natural leader. Upon returning to Lotar, he was destined to lead the new recruitment cycle as a platoon commander in the unit's training at Kfir base in the Jordan Valley. There, throughout the training course, he became a central pillar in building the next generation of fighters- Team Sagi.
Commanding a training course team is a complex, demanding, and significant task, and Sagi carried it on his shoulders with deep commitment and no shortcuts. He was the commander ready to work after training hours to perfect preparations, the one who woke up before everyone and went to sleep last, the one who ate only after knowing his soldiers received their share. There was no action he demanded from them that he hadn't done himself first, and no effort in which he didn't participate alongside them. For him, being a commander meant being present- in the field, in routine, on Sabbaths, and in the hardest moments.
Over the 14 months of full training, Sagi managed to build a team around him that believed in his ability to lead, and above all—believed in itself. He knew how to hold people in an extraordinary way: instilling genuine motivation, building healthy discipline, and making soldiers work out of desire rather than fear. Alongside sharp and precise managerial ability, he also had exceptional sensitivity and deep understanding of people, the ability to see who is struggling, who needs reinforcement, and who needs a personal conversation at the end of a long day.
After completing the training, Sagi was slated for promotion as deputy commander of the Lot"ar division- a role that positioned him to have broad influence over training, decision-making, and unit operations. As deputy commander, he was responsible for collaboratively solving operational issues, personnel management, forward planning of division activities, and coordination with various entities in the counter-terrorism warfare school. As always, Sagi stood out as someone involved in everything and earned the appreciation of the fighters and instructors in the division, as well as other commanders at the Adam facility. He knew how to manage large, multi-variable systems, yet always remained connected to the field, the people, and their daily tasks.
Beyond his command abilities, Sagi was known for projecting calm even in the most complex situations. In moments of pressure, in combat or routine, he was the one who brought everyone back to focus, reminding what was right to do, and directing his surroundings to clear thinking. Not through force, not through shouting—but through quiet presence, fine sense of humor, and sharp honesty. This ability made him an anchor for everyone around him.
Sagi inspires by knowing exactly when to lead with intellect and logic. Planning, organization, forward thinking, and when to lead from the front, with personal example of 'follow me.' He succeeds in combining professional cool-headedness with power that revives the spirit of combat in its purest form.
There are good commanders, and there are commanders who leave a mark. Sagi Golan is of the second kind. He didn't just build fighters—he built people. He was there as an instructor, leader, supporter, and believer in each person's ability to go further than they thought. The privilege of being under his command, working beside him, or learning from him- is an experience that remains in the heart long beyond the service itself.
