Major Ella Waweya, widely known as “Captain Ella,” will be appointed the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, replacing Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF announced on Tuesday.
The change comes as Adraee concludes roughly two decades in the role, with Waweya to assume responsibility for Arabic outreach across platforms.
She will be promoted to Lt.-Col. upon starting her new role, making her the highest-ranking Muslim officer in the military.
'Captain Ella' has served in IDF Spokesperson's Unit since 2013
Waweya, 36, is a Muslim Arab born in Kalansuwa who has served in the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit since 2013, most recently heading its Arabic media desk.
Reports first indicated that Adraee was set to retire from the IDF in November.
Army Radio's Doron Kadosh, at the time, reported that there was no timeline for Adraee to leave the role, with discussions ongoing between Adraee and IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin over the timeline and best choice for replacement.
He became a noted figure within Arabic-language media across the Middle East.