Police Raid Polygamist Compounds in Negev, Arresting 5 Men and Detaining Dozens
Police in Israel's Southern District conducted a targeted operation in the Bedouin town of Bir Hadaj in the Negev desert, aimed at combating polygamy. The operation involved searches of five residential compounds belonging to five men suspected of practicing polygamy. During the raids, authorities seized various documents, including identification cards, marriage certificates, wedding photos, and mobile phones.
According to the investigation, the five suspects, aged between 25 and 32, are married to a total of 15 women and have fathered 67 children. One 25-year-old suspect is reportedly married to three women and has eight children, while a 32-year-old suspect is also married to three women and has nine children with them.
Approximately ten men and women were detained during the operation for questioning at the Southern District's central unit. Following the completion of the investigation, the case materials will be transferred to the Southern District Prosecutor's Office to determine whether further legal proceedings will be initiated.