Police Raid Polygamous Families in Negev, Uncover 15 Wives and 67 Children

Police in Israel's southern Negev region conducted a significant enforcement operation targeting polygamy, raiding five compounds in the Bedouin town of Bir Hadaj. The operation, carried out by the National Guard, detectives from the Southern District, and canine units, aimed to combat illegal polygamous relationships.

During the complex operation, approximately 10 individuals were detained for questioning and to provide testimony. The investigation, led by the special Polygamy Unit established in late 2024, revealed that five central suspects are married to or maintaining relationships with a total of 15 women, fathering 67 children among them. Notable cases include a 25-year-old suspect allegedly married to three women and father to eight children, and a 32-year-old suspect similarly married to three women and father to nine children.

Authorities seized marriage documents, certificates, wedding photos, and mobile phones for forensic examination. A small quantity of suspected hashish was also found at one location. Police emphasized the severity of polygamy, citing its detrimental social and economic consequences, particularly for women and minors.

Following the investigation and the gathering of evidence, the case files will be transferred to the Southern District State Attorney's Office for potential legal proceedings. The police committed to continued vigorous enforcement to curb the phenomenon in the region.