diff --git a/.gitlab-ci.yml b/.gitlab-ci.yml
index b2c639aae38fb9288fec43c9fc123d7ea08c13ec..7840800c9d97ac5e26396d1e51b5c5fa7d2b4864 100644
--- a/.gitlab-ci.yml
+++ b/.gitlab-ci.yml
@@ -49,6 +49,8 @@ pytest:
 
 bats:
   image: docker.io/library/debian:bullseye-slim
+  variables:
+    GIT_SUBMODULE_STRATEGY: recursive
   stage: test
   tags: [host01.shore.co.il]
   before_script: