BEDOUIN ARABS

Since the October 7 Hamas assault that brought Israel and Gaza into a period of heightened violence, at least four Bedouin soldiers have been among the casualties on the Israeli side. 

2. About Bedouins

The Bedouins are nomadic Muslim Arab people primarily residing in the Negev desert of southern Israel. Historically, they were pastoralists with no strong national affiliations, roaming the region between Saudi Arabia and the Sinai with their livestock.

3. Historical Integration into the  Israel Defence Forces (IDF)

• Before the establishment of Israel, Bedouin groups were employed by early Jewish settlers to protect their communities in Palestine.
• During the Arab-Israeli war of 1948-49, many Bedouins provided valuable intelligence to Jewish militias and the newly formed IDF. Some even fought alongside Jewish forces against the Arab armies.
• In the 1950s, Israel recognized a significant number of Bedouins as its citizens and initiated the construction of settlements for them in the Negev.
• Many Bedouins continued to serve in the IDF, often in scouting or tracking units.
• In 1970, a Bedouin scouting unit was established in the IDF's Southern Command, and similar units emerged in other regions.
• In 1986, a desert-scouting unit was stationed near the Gaza Strip.
• The IDF, in 2003, established specialized search and rescue units mainly composed of Bedouin members to serve in border areas.
• Furthermore, Israel inaugurated a memorial in 1993 to honour Bedouin warriors, featuring the names of 154 Bedouin soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country.
• The "Garden of the Broken Heart" is dedicated to Bedouin soldiers whose burial locations are unknown.

4. Voluntary Service

• It's essential to note that army training is not compulsory for the Bedouin population in Israel; it is mandatory only for the Jewish population.
• However, many Bedouin youths voluntarily choose to enlist in the IDF, with some coming from families with a tradition of serving in the defence forces.
• In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of Bedouin volunteers.

5. Integration in Israeli Society

• Bedouin soldiers, particularly those serving in desert reconnaissance units, often hail from the northern regions of Israel.
• In communities like Shibli, Bedouins have coexisted with Jewish and Arab communities since the 1950s.
• Some Bedouin soldiers who underwent army conscription reported gaining an appreciation for aspects of Jewish culture, despite initial language barriers.
• 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.

6. Initiatives for Integration

• Israel has taken steps to promote the integration of Bedouin communities into society.
• In 2020, Ishmael Khaldi became Israel's first Bedouin ambassador. Additionally, the first Bedouin high-tech company in Israel, Sadel Technologies, was co-founded by Ibrahim Sana, a Bedouin entrepreneur, and his partners.
• In November 2022, the Israeli government launched Operation Negev Shield, aiming to facilitate Bedouin community integration through educational programs, especially focusing on steering young men away from criminal activities.
• IDF officers also regularly visit schools in various Bedouin communities to educate children about various aspects of Israeli society.