Avichay Adraee

A new IDF face in Arabic exposes tensions in the Arab world - opinion

Who is expected to replace Col. Avichay Adraee? His deputy, Maj. Ella Wawiya, known in the Arab world as “Captain Ella.”

IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee poses for a picture at the Foreign Ministry, in Jerusalem, September 6, 2017
Maj. Ella Waweya, the new Arabic language spokesperson, pictured on July 7, 2024.

Israel's 'Captain Ella,' highest-ranking Muslim officer, named IDF's new Arabic spokeswoman

Buildings are pictured in the Ain al-Hilweh camp for Palestinian refugees in Lebanon's southern city of Sidon on September 13, 2025.

Hamas Health Ministry claims that IDF strike in Gaza kills 11, including three journalists

UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) and Lebanese military vehicles patrol in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, January 8, 2026

IDF strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, citing repeated ceasefire violations


WATCH: IDF strike kills Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon, kill Hamas terrorist in Gaza

The IDF conducted the strike "in response to Hezbollah's continued violations of the ceasefire understandings."

Hezbollah supporters attend a ceremony held by Hezbollah to commemorate the first anniversary of their late leader Hassan Nasrallah's killing by Israel, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, September 27, 2025

After warning civilians of strikes, IDF conducts attacks on Hezbollah, Hamas targets in Lebanon

Earlier, the IDF confirmed that it had conducted a strike, killing two Hezbollah terrorists in al-Jumayjimah, southern Lebanon, on Sunday.

This image grab from an AFPTV footage taken on January 5, 2026, shows an Israeli strike on the village of Kfar Hatta, in southern Lebanon.

Hamas demanded displaced Gazans pay rent on beach tents amid torrential downpour, IDF reveals

Hamas is forcing displaced residents in al-Qarara to pay rent for tent spaces on the Gaza coast after their homes were destroyed, according to the IDF’s Arabic spokesperson.

An IDF infographic showing the letter from al-Qarara municipality demanding rent payments from displaced Gazans, December 2025.

Iran directing Hamas money network in Turkey, moving hundreds of millions to terrorists

Hamas, with the support of Iran, continues to "push forward terrorist plots against Israel and is trying to rebuild its capabilities, including outside of the Gaza Strip," Adraee stated.

An IDF infographic showing Tamar Hassan (top), Khalil Farwana (R), and Farid Abu Dayir (L), constituting an Iran-backed Hamas money exchange network based in Turkey, December 7, 2025.

Israeli forces strike Hezbollah targets across southern Lebanon

The notice pertained to the villages of Jibaa and Mahrouna. It stated that residents were required to evacuate to a distance of at least 300 meters from the designated target areas. 

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of El Mahmoudiyeh on November 27, 2025.

Hezbollah killed Lebanese figures threatening to expose 2020 Beirut port blast plans, IDF reveals

The four individuals allegedly assassinated were customs department officers and journalists who pointed to Hezbollah's connection with the deadly explosion.

A view of damaged buildings after massive explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, August 5, 2020

IDF strikes Hezbollah sites across south Lebanon after overnight strikes

The IDF's Arabic language spokesperson warned that the IDF will soon strike what it believes is Hezbollah infrastructure, instructing civilians to evacuate the adjacent area.

A photograph shows a sign restricting access on the Israeli side of the border with southern Lebanon on November 16, 2025.

Southern Lebanon explosion caused by Hezbollah weapons smugglers, not IAF strike, Adraee confirms

The IDF confirmed an explosion in southern Lebanon was caused by a Hezbollah smuggling operation, not an Israeli airstrike, as Lebanese reports suggested earlier on Thursday.

Hezbollah weapons, in an image shared by the IDF, November 13, 2025.

Goodbye, 'Mr. evacuate now': Arab outlets weigh in on Adraee’s retirement

Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson for nearly 20 years, is set to retire, with discussions underway to find his successor.

IDF Arabic spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee.

IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee to retire from military service

Adraee joined the IDF Spokesperson's Unit in 2005, following time served in the Intelligence Directorate's Unit 8200.

IDF's Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee poses for a picture at the Foreign Ministry, in Jerusalem, September 6, 2017