Shin Bet Chief Warns of "Military Terror Squads" Forming in Negev

The head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, issued a rare and alarming warning during a cabinet meeting Tuesday about developing security threats in southern Israel, specifically in the Bedouin diaspora in the Negev. Zini reported that areas within the Bedouin community possess "military infrastructure" and that various elements are actively attempting to establish well-armed and organized "quasi-military battalions." The Shin Bet is continuously working to thwart these infrastructures to prevent their growth, Zini stated. These formations are being established by Bedouin residents in the Negev a short drive from major population centers like Beersheba and Dimona, increasing local residents' anxiety. Security officials estimate these groups have a "worrying connection" to known terrorist organizations, particularly Hamas, a link reportedly strengthened by extensive family ties and cross-border wedding celebrations. This warning highlights a persistent issue of weak law enforcement and governance in the south, where crime and illegal armament continue to break records despite repeated government promises to restore order. A major driver of this armament is rampant weapons smuggling, primarily from Egypt and Jordan, using drones and other means to introduce large quantities of firearms, including assault rifles, into the market. The resulting market saturation has drastically lowered weapon prices, making them more accessible than ever. This situation recently prompted a government decision to involve the Shin Bet in combating serious crime. Local residents, living under constant threat of gunfire and insecurity, are demanding decisive government action against these infrastructures before a major disaster occurs. The Shin Bet chief's statements evoke memories of the May 2021 "Guardian of the Walls" conflict and underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive operational response to the emerging security threat in the heart of the Negev.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett responded to the report, criticizing the current Israeli government's perceived failure to maintain governance in the Negev and ensure resident safety, stating, "The next disaster is on the way." He added that while the Shin Bet head might be reporting this as new, residents have been hearing gunfire nightly. Bennett vowed that a future government would classify weapons smuggling as terrorism and combat it accordingly to restore governance and security to the region.