In a landmark shift aimed at strengthening national security, the Israeli military has announced that all intelligence personnel will now undergo mandatory training in Arabic language and Islamic cultural studies. The reform, reported by the Jerusalem Post, comes in the wake of significant intelligence failures ahead of the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.
The changes are spearheaded by Major General Shlomi Binder, head of the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) military intelligence directorate, Aman. For the first time, soldiers serving in technical and cyber roles — traditionally not required to have language or regional expertise — will receive structured instruction in both Arabic and Islamic studies.
The objective is clear: to equip future intelligence officers and commanders with the linguistic skills and cultural literacy necessary to better interpret and anticipate developments in the region. According to Jewish News Syndicate (JNS), by the end of next year, all Aman soldiers will receive training in Islamic studies, and half will undergo Arabic language instruction — a dramatic increase compared to previous years.
“This represents a deep cultural transformation within Israeli intelligence,” reported Doron Kadosh of Israeli Army Radio. A new department will soon be established within Aman, dedicated to teaching Arabic and Islamic studies.
Focus on Dialects and Cultural Nuances
The program will pay particular attention to regional dialects, including those spoken in Iraq and Yemen — where groups like the Houthis operate. One recurring challenge for the IDF has been interpreting Houthi communications. Sources cited by the Jerusalem Post noted that the local use of qat — a mild narcotic commonly chewed in Yemen — often slurs speech and complicates audio intelligence. A failed strike in June on a Houthi commander reportedly stemmed from misinterpretations caused by such cultural and linguistic barriers.
To address this, Aman is launching specialized courses for dialect-specific training, and is bringing in instructors from relevant communities to offer more authentic and effective teaching.
Reviving Arabic Education
As part of this broader cultural reorientation, the IDF will also revive TELEM — a department that formerly promoted Arabic and Middle Eastern studies in Israeli schools. TELEM was disbanded six years ago due to budget cuts, contributing to a decline in Arabic education across the country. Its reinstatement signals a renewed commitment to regional fluency not just within the military, but also across future civilian sectors.
A Senior Officer’s Perspective
“Until now, we haven’t been good enough when it comes to understanding culture, language, and Islam,” a senior Aman official told Army Radio. “We’re not aiming to turn our soldiers into native Arabic speakers who grew up in Arab villages. But through education, we can cultivate doubt, reflection, and better awareness — qualities critical to intelligence work.”
With these sweeping reforms, the IDF appears to be prioritizing not just technological superiority, but a deeper understanding of the societies, languages, and belief systems shaping the region — in hopes of avoiding the costly oversights of the past.
