Israeli Police Deny Shin Bet Chief's Claims of Armed Groups in Negev
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
A senior Israeli police officer denied claims by Shin Bet chief David Zini that armed, military-style groups are being formed in the Negev. The officer questioned the source of Zini's information, stating that police officials are also unaware of its basis. Zini had previously told the security cabinet that these cells exist in Bedouin communities and have ties to Hamas. The police official emphasized that such intelligence should be shared with law enforcement for action.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Senior Israeli police officer denies Shin Bet chief's claims of armed groups in Negev.
- Police question the source of Shin Bet chief David Zini's information.
- Shin Bet chief Zini alleged military cells in Bedouin communities have Hamas ties.
- Zini's claims were made during a political-security cabinet meeting.
- Police say critical intelligence should be shared for action, not to cause alarm.
A senior Israeli police officer on Wednesday refuted claims made by Shin Bet chief David Zini regarding attempts to form armed, military-style groups in the Negev desert. The officer expressed uncertainty about the source of Zini's information, stating, "It is not clear where the Shin Bet chief got this information." According to the "Walla!" news website, Shin Bet coordinators working with the police's Southern District, as well as other Shin Bet officials in continuous contact with the district, also reportedly stated they were unaware of the basis for Zini's remarks. The police officer suggested that if the Shin Bet possessed intelligence about the formation of military cells or battalions in the Negev, such critical information should first be shared with the Israeli police and the Southern District to enable appropriate action, rather than causing public alarm without providing actionable intelligence. Zini had reportedly alleged during a political-security cabinet meeting that military cells and attempts to establish quasi-military battalions exist within Bedouin communities in the Negev, describing it as a "very worrying phenomenon." He claimed the Shin Bet is actively working to thwart these cells and suggested they have "worrying ties" to organizations including Hamas.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 1Right 1Haredi 1Arab 4Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
