IDF's new wing to train every intelligence operative Islam; wants Israeli schools to teach Arabic: Report

The Military Intelligence Directorate (Aman) of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wants Israeli middle and high schools to restart offering courses in Arabic and Middle Eastern studies, as it wishes its future recruits to be well-versed in the language and cultural aspects of the region. In another major reform, all intelligence operatives will learn Islamic tradition as well as Arabic.

ALSO READ | West Bank: How Israel intelligence units, IDF eliminated Hamas terrorists tasked with second October 7 attack

According to Israeli media, the decision to incorporate Islam into the training manual of IDF intelligence units is the brainchild of Major General Aluf Shlomi Binder, who is the Head of the IDF Intelligence Directorate. This initiative will not be limited to just Aman's field agents; Shlomi Binder wants all intelligence personnel — including those in technological roles — to learn Islam and Arabic.

 

The decision to train Israel's intelligence research staff in Arabic by the time they complete basic training is a consequence of the October 7th attacks, the Jerusalem Post said in a report. The intelligence failure that caused the massacre of civilians by Hamas fighters could have been avoided if the IDF's intelligence community was better versed in Arabic, the higher-ups believe. As a result, future Aman recruits will have to attain proficiency in the language of their enemies before they are fully incorporated into service.

ALSO READ | 'Indian software helped Israel gather sensitive data': Bizarre claim by Iranian hardline newspaper Kayhan

In the long run, the IDF hopes to ensure its future commanders are fluent in Arabic and well-versed in Islamic culture so that their analytical capabilities improve significantly, the Jerusalem Post stated. By the end of 2026, every Aman personnel member will have received training in Islamic studies, and half of them will get Arabic language training, the report added.

 

A new department will be formed by the IDF with the sole purpose of teaching Arabic and Islam to recruits. It has also been decided that the programme should include specialised training in the Houthi and Iraqi dialects — the new focus areas for Israel's intelligence operatives in the post-Hezbollah and "Twelve-Day War" with Tehran.

ALSO READ | Four ways Israel’s Mossad lured Iranian generals to their deaths during the 12-day war

Meanwhile, Israel's parliament voted on Wednesday in favour of a non-binding declaration urging the government to apply Israeli law to the West Bank, widely seen as a de facto annexation of the territory. That added to the urgency in Paris. "If there is a moment in history to recognise a Palestinian state, even if it's just symbolic, then I would say that moment has probably come," said a senior French official.

Middle East