IDF Names Maj. Ella Waweya as New Arabic-Language Spokesperson
Major Ella Waweya, the IDF's highest-ranking Muslim woman, will lead Arabic communications with nearly 500,000 social media followers and a focus on countering misinformation.
- The Israel Defense Forces named Major Ella Waweya as its new Arabic-language spokesperson, replacing Colonel Avichai Adraee; a source called her appointment a "worthy choice" after years of experience.
- She rose through the IDF Spokesperson's Office after serving as a new-media non-commissioned officer focusing on Arabic content, earning the President's Outstanding Soldier Award in 2015.
- Launching 'Captain Ella' in 2019, Waweya produced Arabic and Hebrew videos that counter misinformation and built a public profile with roughly half a million followers on TikTok and Instagram.
- Analysts see the appointment as continuity in Arabic outreach while highlighting the growing role of women and Arab‑Israelis in senior military posts, following Avraee's roughly two-decade tenure.
- Her official promotion to Colonel and formal takeover are expected in the coming weeks, and her Arabic-language work could reshape how the IDF engages Middle East audiences.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Israeli Army Appoints First Muslim Arab Woman as Arabic-language Spokesperson
Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. The Israel Defence Forces announced on Tuesday that Major Ella Waweya will become the military's next Arabic-language spokesperson, ending more than two decades of service by Col. Avichay Adraee in the highly visible role. Waweya, currently Adraee's deputy, will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel when she formally assumes the position next week. World News | Israeli Army Appoints F…
Israeli Army appoints first Muslim Arab woman as Arabic-language spokesperson - The Tribune
The Israel Defence Forces announced on Tuesday that Major Ella Waweya will become the military's next Arabic-language spokesperson, ending more than two decades of service by Col. Avichay Adraee in the highly visible role. Waweya, currently Adraee's deputy, will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel when she formally assumes the position next week.
Israel's 'Captain Ella,' highest-ranking Muslim officer, named IDF's new Arabic spokeswoman
Maj. Ella Waweya, widely known as “Captain Ella,” will be appointed as the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, replacing Col. Avichay Adraee, the military announced on Tuesday.
IDF appoints 'Captain Ella' as new Arabic spokesperson
A Muslim Arab from the central Israeli city of Kalansuwa, Waweya joined the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit in 2013 and has since worked extensively in Arabic-language communications. By World Israel News Staff The IDF has appointed Maj. Ella Waweya as its new Arabic-language spokesperson, promoting her to the rank of lieutenant colonel, the military announced following a senior assignments review on Tuesday. Waweya, widely known as “Captain Ella,” will…
IDF Names Maj. Ella Waweya as New Arabic-Language Spokesperson
JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Maj. Ella Waweya, known widely as “Captain Ella,” has been selected to replace Col. Avichay Adraee as the Israel Defense Forces’ Arabic-language spokesperson, the military announced. Waweya, one of the most senior female Arab Muslim officers in the IDF, currently serves as Adraee’s deputy and heads the Arabic communications desk in the IDF Spokesperson’s […]
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