Maj. Ella Waweya has been chosen to become the next Arabic-language spokesperson for the Israeli military, succeeding Col. Avichay Adraee, who is retiring after two decades in the role. Waweya, one of the highest-ranking female Arab Muslim officers, was born in Qalansawe and joined the military in 2013, initially keeping her service secret from her family. Currently serving as deputy spokesperson, she has built a significant social media presence with over half a million followers on TikTok and 170,000 on X. Waweya will be promoted to lieutenant colonel, with a handover ceremony expected soon, marking a significant milestone for representation within the military.