06.03.2026 20:13
Images of some Muslim soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces performing the Tarawih prayer have been shared. Following the images, the number of Muslim soldiers serving in the Israeli army and their positions within the army have become a topic of discussion again.
Images of some Muslim soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) performing the Tarawih prayer have become a topic of discussion. In videos reportedly released by the Israeli army, soldiers were seen praying in military uniforms and boots.
THEIR NUMBERS BECAME A SUBJECT OF DEBATE
Following the release of the images, the number of Muslim soldiers serving in the Israeli army has once again become a topic of debate. Speaking on the program "One of Us" aired on Sözcü TV, Ekrem Açıkel stated that not only Jews but also Muslim Arabs, Christian Arabs, Negev Bedouins, Druze, and Circassians serve in the IDF.
NEARLY 10,000 MUSLIM SOLDIERS
It is reported that the Israeli army, which has approximately 170,000 soldiers, includes soldiers from various ethnic and religious groups. According to various sources, the number of Muslim soldiers serving in the army is estimated to be over 10,000.
THEIR NUMBERS ARE INCREASING FOR TWO REASONS
Açıkel expressed that the number of Muslim soldiers is increasing due to reasons such as career opportunities and salary. It was reported that Bedouins generally take on security duties in critical areas such as desert regions and the borders with Jordan and Syria, but they are not assigned some active roles such as piloting or tank operation.