The IDF has announced the appointment of its new Arabic-language spokesperson.
Major Ella Waweya, 36, will replace Colonel Avichay Adraee, who has served in the role for 20 years, as he retires.
Waweya, known by the nickname "Captain Ella", currently serves as Adraee's deputy and is the most senior female Muslim officer in the IDF.
Upon taking her new role, she will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Waweya was born in the Arab town of Qalansawe and joined the IDF voluntarily in 2013.
She initially hid her service from her family for over a year for fear of backlash, but her parents have since accepted her role and attended her most recent promotion ceremonies.
The role of Arabic spokesperson has taken on fresh prominence since October 7, with Adraee becoming a key figure in the IDF's communications during the wars against Hamas and Hezbollah.
The Arabic spokesperson is notably tasked with delivering evacuation orders in Arabic in areas set to come under IDF fire and plays a key role in ensuring the military meets its legal obligations to civilians.
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