Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Israel Mandates Arabic and Islamic Studies for Military Intelligence
The Israeli military is making its intelligence officers learn Arabic and study Islam to better understand the Middle East.
This follows failures in understanding events.
The goal is to improve their ability to analyze information and language nuances.
By the end of next year, all intelligence officers will study Islam, and half will learn Arabic, including specific dialects.
The IDF is also restarting Arabic studies programs in schools to help with this initiative.
IDF mandates Arabic language and Islamic Studies training for all intelligence personnel.
The initiative follows intelligence failures related to the October 7th events.
AMAN aims to train 100% of its personnel in Islamic Studies and 50% in Arabic by the end of next year.
Training will include specialized modules on Houthi and Iraqi dialects.
The IDF is restarting TELEM, promoting Arabic and Middle Eastern studies in schools.
- Who
- The Israeli Defence Forces, specifically AMAN (Military Intelligence Directorate) personnel.
- What
- The IDF is mandating Arabic language and Islamic Studies training for all intelligence personnel.
- When
- The changes are being implemented now, with goals for completion by the end of next year.
- Where
- Israel
- Why
- To strengthen the analytical capabilities of intelligence staff and address shortcomings, particularly those related to the events of October 7, 2023.
- Mandate
- Arabic Language and Islamic Studies
- Target Group
- AMAN (Military Intelligence Directorate) personnel
- AMAN Goal
- 100% Islamic Studies; 50% Arabic training by end of next year
- Dialect Focus
- Houthi and Iraqi
- Initiated By
- Major General Shlomi Binder
- Related Program
- TELEM (Middle Eastern Studies)
- Reason
- Intelligence failures related to October 7th events
