Most Israeli Jewish soldiers were said to be ignorant of either Arabic
language or culture. Officials said this has resulted in needless casualties
as well as complaints of abuse from Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza
Strip, Middle East Newsline reported.
"Right now, combat soldiers know how to shout a few simple phrases," the
official said. "They know nothing more, and this has proven to be a
hindrance in operations."
Officials said the instruction in Arabic marked preparations for another
Israeli war in the Gaza Strip. They said each unit would have one or more
Arabic speakers in what could help locate improvised explosive devices,
booby-trapped homes, enemy caches and lairs.
Until now, combat units were unable to interrogate Palestinian or other
Arab prisoners. In most cases, the units were forced to wait for the arrival
of Arabic speakers from the Field Intelligence Corps or the Israel Security
Agency.
The military course would also teach soldiers to interrogate Arab
prisoners. Officials said soldiers who understand Arabic were less likely to
abuse detainees.
"In many cases, soldiers would use force to get detainees to provide
information, but couldn't understand the answers," the official said. "This
was needless and sparked complaints."
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