In Lebanon, local media referred to him as “the man controlling the daily lives of the Lebanese.”
By United with Israel Staff
After two decades as the face of the Israel Defense Forces to the Arab world, Col. Avichay Adraee is stepping down at his own request, Kan News reported Tuesday.
Adraee began his military career in Unit 8200 before joining the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, where he headed its Arabic-language communications division during Israel’s 2005 disengagement plan. He was initially given the rank of captain and later promoted to lieutenant colonel after completing officer training.
Over the years, Adraee became one of Israel’s most recognized voices in the Middle East, serving as the IDF’s primary messenger to Arabic-speaking audiences throughout wars, tense security periods, and major operations. His calm but firm delivery, often broadcast directly to viewers in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond, made him a familiar figure across the Arab world.
He has been interviewed hundreds of times on major Arabic networks, including Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, and manages the IDF’s Arabic-language accounts across Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok, followed by millions.
Adraee’s channels have often served as the official conduit for IDF evacuation announcements to civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, and even Yemen during recent conflicts. In Lebanon, local media referred to him as “the man controlling the daily lives of the Lebanese.”
As his tenure comes to a close, speculation has turned to his deputy, Maj. Ella Waweya, known across the Arab world as “Captain Ella,” who could be tapped to succeed him, though no official appointment has been announced.
Waweya, who has been responsible for maintaining the IDF’s communications with Arab audiences, including Israeli Arabs, friendly nations, and adversaries, grew up in Kalansuwa, a predominantly Arab city in central Israel.
At around age 22, she began her national service at Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba. Two years later, she made the decision to enlist in the IDF, where she joined Adraee’s Arabic-language media division. She initially kept her military service secret from her family but later became one of its most visible figures.
Pro-Israel activist Yoseph Haddad praised her on X, writing: “No one is more deserving to replace Avichay Adraee as the IDF’s Arabic spokesperson. Captain Ella, a Muslim officer, deputy spokesperson, a powerful, determined, and patriotic woman who does incredible work for Israel in the Arab world. I hope she makes history and gets this role.”
Adraee’s retirement marks the end of a defining era for the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. In the Middle East, and even within Israel, he has long been known as “the face of the IDF in Arabic,” a key player in Israel’s battle for hearts and minds across the region.
As Adraee prepares to step away, his voice, trusted by some and loathed by others, leaves a lasting mark on the IDF’s Arabic outreach. The messenger may soon change, but the message of Israel’s strength and resolve in the region will remain the same.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!