Haifa-born Avichay Adraee, the IDF spokesperson for Arab media, is a Sephardi Jew with a deep knowledge of the Arabic language, civilization, culture, and history. His current position has been his dream since childhood. 

In 2001, Lt.-Col. Adraee, now 39, joined the Military Intelligence Service in the elite 8200 unit. Upon completing mandatory service, he began his career as head of the Arab Media department in the IDF Spokesperson’s Office. In November 2018 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He stresses the importance of communication and dialogue with many peoples, even if their governments do not establish normal relations with Israel or are in fact hostile to the Jewish State. He welcomes his “wonderful opportunity” in all ways possible, particularly through social media, to promote dialogue.

The IDF spokesperson knows how to handle his enemies. In one video cited by N12, while standing across from tunnels dug by the Hezbollah terror group, he teases a Lebanese journalist and social media influencer: “Where are you, Hosein Mortada? Where are you, do you hear me? Good morning! Do you continue to work on your videos? Have you seen the Israeli army? It has power, technology, and creativity, and that is what destroyed your tunnels in 40 days! What a loss. Congratulations.”