The Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Directorate is implementing sweeping reforms in Arabic and Islamic studies following the failures of Oct. 7, 2023, the IDF confirmed to JNS on Wednesday.
Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, head of the directorate, has ordered new training requirements for all intelligence personnel, including those in technological roles previously not connected to Arabic language or Islamic studies.
“Until now, we have not been good enough in the fields of culture, language and Islam. We need to improve in these areas,” a senior intelligence officer told Army Radio military correspondent Doron Kadosh.
“We cannot turn the soldiers and officers of the Intelligence Division into Arab children who grew up in the village, but through studying the language and culture, we can instill in them doubt and deep observation,” the official continued.
As part of the changes, all officers and soldiers—including cyber specialists from Unit 8200—will now be required to study Islamic culture and Arabic. Research staff must achieve proficiency in Arabic as part of their basic training, with the aim that future commanders will be fluent and culturally knowledgeable.
Furthermore, Arabic and Islamic content will be integrated across all stages of training, from pre-enlistment courses to advanced officer instruction. By next year, all Intelligence Directorate members will receive Islamic studies training, and half will undergo Arabic language training—a significant increase from previous years.
The Tel-M section, which promoted Arabic and Middle Eastern studies in Israeli schools and was closed six years ago, will be revived under Unit 8200. Its return is intended to strengthen Arabic education in schools and reconnect the military with civilian language initiatives.
Additionally, new courses will focus on the Houthi and Iraqi Arabic dialects, addressing operational challenges in understanding regional communications. Teachers from relevant backgrounds have been recruited to ensure authentic instruction.
