Bedouin Soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)

October 23, 2023

Since the October 7 Hamas assault that escalated violence in Israel and Gaza, at least four Bedouin soldiers have been among the casualties on the Israeli side. A widely shared video on social media highlights the appreciation of local Israelis for a Bedouin commander named Ashraf, recognizing his effective defense against Hamas fighters.

Who are the Bedouins?

Bedouins are a nomadic Muslim Arab people predominantly residing in the Negev desert in southern Israel.
Historically, they were pastoralists with no exclusive national affiliation, often roaming the region between Saudi Arabia and the Sinai Peninsula with their livestock.

Bedouins’ Involvement with the IDF

During the final decades of Ottoman rule, Bedouins began transitioning to a more settled lifestyle.
Prior to Israel’s formation, groups of Bedouins were employed by early Jewish settlers to safeguard their communities in Palestine.
During the Arab-Israeli war of 1948-49, many Bedouins provided valuable intelligence to Jewish militias and the newly established IDF. Some also fought alongside Jewish forces against the Arab armies.

Recognition and Settlements

In the 1950s, Israel granted citizenship to a significant number of Bedouins and assisted in establishing settlements for them in the Negev.
Many Bedouins continued to serve in the IDF, primarily in roles such as scouting and tracking.
In 1970, a Bedouin scouting unit was established in the IDF’s Southern Command, and similar units have been created in other areas. In 1986, a desert-scouting unit was formed, stationed near the Gaza Strip.
In 2003, the IDF established specialized search and rescue units, mainly comprised of Bedouin soldiers, to serve in border areas.

Recognition and Memorial

In 1993, Israel inaugurated a memorial in Galilee dedicated to Bedouin warriors. The “Garden of the Broken Heart” bears the names of 154 Bedouin soldiers who lost their lives while serving the country, including those with unknown burial places.

Voluntary Service

It is not compulsory for Bedouins to undergo military training with the IDF, as mandatory army service applies primarily to the Jewish population of Israel.
However, many Bedouin youth choose to volunteer. In 2021, a record number of approximately 600 Bedouins voluntarily enlisted in the Israeli military.

Integration in Israeli Society

Bedouins serving in desert reconnaissance units often come from northern Israel, where they have coexisted with Jewish and Arab communities since the 1950s.
Some individuals who have undergone army conscription and now work with Israeli civil services have shared how their service helped them appreciate aspects of Jewish culture, despite initial language challenges.
The Bedouin population in Israel currently numbers around 210,000 individuals residing in various regions of the state, with a significant presence in the Negev desert in the South.

Notable Achievements

In 2020, Israel appointed Ishmael Khaldi as its first Bedouin ambassador, highlighting increasing integration and representation.
The first Bedouin high-tech company in Israel, Sadel Technologies, was co-founded by Ibrahim Sana, a Bedouin, and his two partners.
In November 2022, the Israeli government launched “Operation Negev Shield,” which aims to help Bedouin communities integrate into Israeli society through educational programs, particularly focused on steering young men away from criminal activities. IDF officers regularly visit schools in various Bedouin communities to educate children as part of this initiative.

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