Police Raid Negev Town, Arrest 10 Suspected of Polygamy

Israeli police conducted raids on five compounds in the Bedouin town of Bir Hadaj in the Negev desert on Tuesday, as part of a crackdown on polygamy, which authorities describe as a "crime." Approximately 10 individuals were detained for questioning.

The operation was led by the anti-polygamy division and the Southern District's central unit, with support from border police, the "Sahar" brigade, and K-9 units. Police stated that the raids targeted five individuals suspected of managing polygamous relationships.

During the searches, authorities seized documents, marriage certificates, wedding photos, and mobile phones for forensic examination. A substance believed to be hashish was also discovered at one location. Investigators suspect the five main targets are involved in relationships with a total of 15 women and have fathered 67 children.

Among those being investigated are a 25-year-old man allegedly married to three women and father to eight children, and a 32-year-old man allegedly married to three women and father to nine children. Police indicated that evidence suggests other suspects also have multiple wives and large families.

Those detained, including men and women, are being questioned at the Southern District's central unit offices. Investigations are ongoing, with further actions planned. Following the investigation, cases will be forwarded to the Southern District State Attorney's Office for review.

The anti-polygamy division was established in late 2024 by the Ministry of National Security in cooperation with the police to centralize efforts against polygamy in the southern region. Police consider polygamy a "dangerous and unacceptable phenomenon" with negative consequences for women, children, and the social fabric, and they are also addressing potential issues of violence or exploitation.