Over 20 years, Adraee established himself as one of Israel’s most prominent voices in the Middle East, conveying IDF messages to Arabic-speaking audiences.
By The IDF Club
After two decades as the face of the IDF to the Arab world, Colonel Avichay Adraee is set to retire at his own request, it was reported Tuesday by Kan News.
Adraee began his military career in Unit 8200 before moving on to serve as head of the Arabic-language communications division in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit during the Disengagement Plan.
He earned the rank of captain early in his career and later rose to lieutenant colonel after completing officer training.
Over 20 years, Adraee established himself as one of Israel’s most prominent voices in the Middle East, conveying IDF messages to Arabic-speaking audiences during rounds of conflict, security tensions, and operational events. He has cultivated a significant following on social media, with millions of followers, and has closely documented IDF activity across multiple fronts.
While speculation has emerged that his deputy, Major Ela Avuya, widely known in the Arab world as “Captain Ela” from a social media series targeting Arabic-speaking audiences, could succeed him, no official announcement has been made.
Avuya has been responsible for maintaining IDF communications with Arab audiences, including domestic viewers, allied countries, and even adversaries.
Born and raised in Kalansuwa, she began her public service through a national service program at Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba. Two years later, she enlisted in the IDF and, following basic training, joined Adraee’s team as a deputy officer in the Arabic-language communications division. She initially kept this decision hidden from her family.
Adraee’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit. Often described in the Middle East and sometimes in Israel as “the face of the IDF in Arabic,” he has become one of the most recognizable figures in Israel’s efforts to shape public opinion in the region.
