Israel Police Deploy Elite Unit to Combat 17 Escalating Tribal Conflicts in Negev
Israel Police have deployed the elite SAHAR (Special Patrol Unit) of the Southern District to tackle 17 escalating tribal conflicts in the Bedouin cities of Rahat and Tel Arad. These disputes, often ignited by minor incidents like arguments in barbershops or schoolyard scuffles, have led to serious violence including murders, shootings, grenade attacks, and stabbings.
The SAHAR unit, comprising 230 officers and soldiers with backgrounds in elite military units, is now acting as the primary command in Rahat and Tel Arad. They are utilizing advanced tactics and equipment, including drones, special cameras, aerial surveillance riders, K-9 units, and mounted police, to prevent violence. "The goal is to reduce severe violent incidents," stated Lt. Col. Meir Hachmon, the unit's commander. He noted that conflicts are increasing due to financial debts, land disputes, and inheritance issues.
Police data indicates a significant decrease in violent incidents since SAHAR's deployment, with a 30% reduction in shootings. The unit employs a proactive strategy, identifying and intervening in disputes before they escalate, using intelligence, direct intervention, or dialogue. For families unwilling to de-escalate, authorities are implementing combined economic and enforcement measures, such as closing businesses and confiscating vehicles and funds.
Lt. Col. Hachmon emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for shootings, stating that any armed individual posing a threat will be neutralized, and shooting will be met with reciprocal fire. Snipers, recruited from the IDF, are deployed to neutralize armed individuals. The unit also rewards soldiers who find illegal weapons with a special combat knife, a tradition that has recently depleted their supply.
Overall crime statistics for the Southern District show a marked decrease in property crimes in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, with a 25% drop in total property offenses. Specific reductions include 18% fewer residential burglaries, 35% fewer commercial burglaries, about 30% fewer vehicle thefts, 20% fewer robberies, and 15% fewer arson incidents. September 2026 data revealed a 20% decrease in shooting incidents across the district, alongside 256 indictments for illegal weapons offenses. Notably, murder incidents in the Bedouin sector have dropped by 67% since May 2026, with four incidents compared to 12 in the same period last year.
