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IDF Promotes Maj. Ella Waweya as New Spokesperson

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Maj. Ella Waweya, known as "Captain Ella," will replace Col. Avichay Adraee as the Israel Defense Forces' Arabic-language spokesperson.
The military promoted her to lieutenant colonel on Tuesday.
Waweya, 36, has served in the IDF since 2013 and is one of its highest-ranking Muslim officers.
Avichay Adraee has led the role for 20 years and is retiring.
A handover ceremony is expected in the coming weeks.

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Story summary

Maj. Ella Waweya, known as "Captain Ella," will replace Col. Avichay Adraee as the Israel Defense Forces' Arabic-language spokesperson.
The military promoted her to lieutenant colonel on Tuesday.
Waweya, 36, has served in the IDF since 2013 and is one of its highest-ranking Muslim officers.
Avichay Adraee has led the role for 20 years and is retiring.
A handover ceremony is expected in the coming weeks.