Israel Makes Arabic and Islamic Studies Mandatory for All Intelligence Staff
Aman Introduces Training in Houthi and Iraqi Dialects with Native Teachers to Enhance Cultural Understanding
The Intelligence Directorate of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has announced that all soldiers and officers within the intelligence wing must now undergo compulsory training in Arabic language and Islamic studies. This directive follows intelligence shortcomings and is designed to notably improve the analytical strength of its staff.
As per The Jerusalem Post, the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate is rolling out wide-ranging updates to its Arabic and Islamic culture education programs after intelligence lapses around October 2023. The reform drive is spearheaded by Aman’s head, Major General Shlomi Binder.
AMAN, the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate known by its Hebrew acronym, has now implemented a policy requiring every member of the intelligence unit — even those in tech-related positions — to receive education in Arabic or Islamic studies.
What Does the New Mandate Involve?
Under this new policy, intelligence operatives, including technical teams, must either study Arabic or undergo Islamic cultural education. The goal is to ensure future leaders in the intelligence sector become fluent in Arabic and develop a thorough grasp of Islamic traditions. By the close of the next calendar year, 100% of Aman’s operatives will be trained in Islamic studies, while 50% will be proficient in Arabic.
Plans for a New Educational Division
Military journalist Doron Kadosh from Army Radio reported that a new division is being created specifically for Arabic and Islamic learning. The new curriculum will also offer specialised lessons in Houthi and Iraqi Arabic to meet growing operational needs in these regions. In addition, the IDF intends to relaunch the TELEM department, previously in charge of Arabic and Middle Eastern studies in Israeli secondary schools, which had been shut down six years ago due to budgetary issues. Since its closure, the number of Arabic learners saw a steep decline.
Long-Term Vision of the IDF
The IDF envisions a future where every intelligence officer at the brigade and division levels will be fluent in Arabic and have comprehensive knowledge of Islam. The Arabic and Islamic training modules are being added to Aman’s core curriculum. The strategic aim is to ensure that all intelligence personnel — including cyber operatives in elite units like Unit 8200 — complete Islamic studies training, while half of them will also receive Arabic language instruction. This represents a major cultural and educational transformation within Israeli intelligence circles.
Key Challenges Highlighted
A major issue that has come to light is the difficulty of interpreting Houthi communications. One reason for this has been linked to the use of khat, a mild stimulant commonly chewed in Yemen, which impacts speech clarity. An Israeli assassination mission in June, targeting a Houthi military commander, reportedly failed due to this very communication hurdle.
How Aman Intends to Tackle These Problems
To resolve this, Aman is initiating new programs specifically targeting Houthi and Iraqi Arabic dialects. These classes aim to help language specialists understand local idioms and cultural references. Instructors from relevant ethnic and regional backgrounds have been brought in to deliver accurate and meaningful lessons.
A senior Aman source remarked, “Until now, we’ve lacked depth in language, culture, and religious understanding, and that has to change. Our objective isn’t to turn our officers into Arab villagers, but through intentional training in these areas, we can arm them with the insight required for sharper and more informed analysis.”
