Israel Makes Learning Arabic And Studying Islam Compulsory For All Intelligence Personnel

Last Updated:July 25, 2025, 14:03 IST

Aman is launching new courses on Houthi and Iraqi Arabic dialects, with native instructors onboard to help language analysts grasp region-specific nuances and cultural context

One significant challenge faced by intelligence personnel is the difficulty in understanding Houthi communication. (Representative/AP)

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Intelligence Directorate has announced mandatory training in Arabic language and Islamic studies for all intelligence soldiers and officers. This decision follows recent intelligence failures and aims to significantly enhance the analytical capabilities of its personnel.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the IDF Intelligence Directorate is undertaking extensive reforms in its Arabic language and Islamic cultural studies programs, following intelligence failures around October 2023. The initiative is part of a broader overhaul led by Aman chief, Major General Shlomi Binder.

AMAN, the Hebrew acronym for Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate, has now made it mandatory for all intelligence personnel, including those in technical roles, to undergo training in either Arabic or Islamic studies.

What Is The New Directive?

Under the new directive, all intelligence personnel, including those in technical roles, will be required to either learn Arabic or undergo training in Islamic studies. This initiative seeks to ensure that future commanders are fluent in Arabic and have a deep understanding of Islamic culture. By the end of next year, 100 per cent of Aman’s personnel will receive training in Islamic studies, and 50 per cent will be trained in the Arabic language.

What Are The Plans For A New Department?

Army Radio’s military correspondent Doron Kadosh has revealed plans to establish a new department dedicated to Arabic and Islamic education. The programme will also include specialised training in Houthi and Iraqi dialects, reflecting the intelligence department’s growing needs in these regions. Additionally, the IDF plans to reopen TELEM, a department previously responsible for promoting Arabic and Middle Eastern studies in Israeli middle and high schools, which was closed six years ago due to budget cuts. As a result, the number of personnel studying Arabic declined sharply.

What Is The IDF’s Long-Term Goal?

The long-term goal of the IDF is for every brigade and division-level intelligence officer to be proficient in Arabic and possess in-depth knowledge of Islam. This training is being integrated into Aman’s primary curriculum, with the aim that 100 per cent of intelligence soldiers, including cyber experts from Unit 8200, will receive training in Islamic studies, and 50 per cent will learn Arabic. This initiative reflects a fundamental cultural shift in Israeli intelligence education.

What Challenges Have Been Identified?

One significant challenge faced by intelligence personnel is the difficulty in understanding Houthi communication. This issue is partly attributed to the frequent use of khat, a mildly intoxicating plant chewed in Yemen, which affects the clarity of speech. In June, an attempt by Israel to assassinate a Houthi military chief reportedly failed due to this communication barrier.

How Will The IDF Address These Challenges?

To address this problem, Aman is introducing new courses focused on Houthi and Iraqi Arabic dialects, aiming to familiarise language analysts with region-specific nuances. Instructors from the respective communities have been recruited to provide authentic training.

A senior Aman official said, “So far, we haven’t been strong in the areas of culture, language, and Islam, and we need to improve. We’re not aiming to turn our intelligence officers or soldiers into Arab villagers, but through focused language and cultural studies, we can equip them with the depth and understanding needed for sharper observation."

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