A single image from Jenin was enough to set off a storm on social media. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, was photographed on Sunday shaking hands with a Palestinian in the center of Jenin—and soon after, outrage erupted across Arab and Palestinian platforms, including accusations, attacks, and conspiracy theories.
Today, Adraee issued his first public response, using just one word: “Peace.”
The story that spread like wildfire
The video, filmed during Adraee’s visit to Jenin and the nearby refugee camp, quickly went viral on Arabic social media and sparked widespread reactions. Some described the moment as a “provocation,” others speculated about hidden motives, and some accused Israel of attempting a “soft infiltration” into Palestinian society.
On Palestinian networks, voice messages and videos circulated claiming the man who shook Adraee’s hand was a “collaborator,” with calls to take action against him.
Adraee breaks silence and addresses Palestinians directly
In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), Adraee wrote in Arabic:
“One word, without equal: peace. Let people live in peace. Let the truth rise above this painful reality. We are tired of the incitement and accusations against anyone who calls for coexistence and prosperity.”
كلمة واحدة، لا ثاني لها: سلام.
دعوا الناس تعيش بسلام، دعوا الحقيقة تطفو على وجه هذا الواقع الأليم، فقد سئمنا من التحريض والتخوين لكل من ينادي بالتعايش والازدهار.الصور التي نُشرت من قلب مدينة جنين تروي حكاية حياة تنبض رغم كل شيء، مدينة تسعى للنهوض، على النقيض من مخيم جنين الذي… pic.twitter.com/8s3eTOZRU8
— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) April 7, 2025
He also addressed the differences between Jenin city and the adjacent refugee camp:
“The images from downtown Jenin tell a story of life pushing forward. A city trying to rebuild—unlike the refugee camp, which has been hijacked and turned into a center of terror, destruction, and darkness.”
He concluded with pointed criticism of his detractors:
“Anyone who attacks these people speaks only hate. He is the voice of evil. He wants to turn Jenin into Gaza, and drown it in the same darkness.”
Adraee closed with a direct message:
“Leave the people alone. Enough with the mental terrorism. I’ll soon be sharing more messages from my visit to Jenin and the camp—stay tuned.”
The IDF clarified that the visit was intended to gain firsthand understanding of the situation on the ground and explore new ways to promote calm and stability—in contrast to those seeking to continue the cycle of violence.
