The IDF Intelligence Directorate is implementing sweeping reforms to its Arabic language and Islamic cultural studies programs, following the intelligence failures around October 7, 2023, the IDF has confirmed to JNS.
According to Army Radio military correspondent Doron Kadosh, the overhaul is one of several major initiatives ordered by Aman chief Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder. Under the new directive, all intelligence personnel—including those in technological roles traditionally unrelated to Arabic or Islamic studies—will be required to undergo training in both fields.
Details of the new directive
JNS reported that intelligence research staff will now be expected to attain proficiency in Arabic as part of their basic training. The long-term goal is for future commanders to be fluent in Arabic and well-versed in Islamic culture, significantly strengthening their analytical capabilities. By the end of next year, 100% of Aman personnel will have received training in Islamic studies, and 50% will undergo Arabic language training, representing a significant increase compared to previous years.
Kadosh shared further details on social media, including plans to establish a new department dedicated to the teaching of Arabic and Islam. The program will also include specialized training in the Houthi and Iraqi dialects, reflecting growing intelligence needs in those regions.
As part of the reforms, the IDF will also reopen the TELEM, which had previously promoted Arabic and Middle Eastern studies in Israeli middle and high schools. The department was shut down six years ago due to budget cuts, resulting in a significant drop in Arabic-language education. It had operated educational programs such as pre-military seminars and cultural workshops aimed at deepening students’ understanding of the Arab world.
Goals of the language and cultural training
JNS also reported that all IDF intelligence personnel will now undergo training in Arabic language and Islamic culture, with a long-term goal of ensuring that every brigade and division-level intelligence officer becomes fluent in Arabic and gains a deep, working knowledge of Islam. This training is being integrated into the core curriculum of Aman’s instruction pipeline, from pre-service programs to advanced officer courses.
According to Army Radio, Arabic and Islamic studies will now become mandatory for all Aman personnel. By next year, 100% of intelligence soldiers—including cyber specialists from Unit 8200—will receive Islamic studies training, while 50% will undergo Arabic language instruction. These numbers represent a dramatic increase from previous years and reflect a fundamental cultural shift within Israeli intelligence education.
Current challenges
One notable challenge that has emerged in recent years is the difficulty intelligence personnel face in deciphering Houthi communications. The problem, according to sources, stems in part from the Houthis' frequent use of qat—a mild narcotic plant chewed socially in Yemen and other parts of the Arab world, which affects speech clarity. In June, an Israeli attempt to assassinate the Houthi military chief reportedly failed because he was attending a social gathering centered around qat chewing, according to the tweet by Army Radio.
To address this, Aman is launching new courses focused on the Houthi and Iraqi Arabic dialects, aimed at deepening language analysts' familiarity with region-specific nuances. Instructors from relevant communities have been recruited to provide authentic training.
A senior Aman officer told Army Radio: "Until now, we haven’t been good enough in the areas of culture, language, and Islam. We need to improve in these areas. We won’t turn our intelligence officers and soldiers into Arab kids who grew up in a village, but through language and cultural studies, we can instill in them doubt and deep observation."