Negev Development Institute Urges National Emergency Declaration

Following a warning from Shin Bet head David Zini about military infrastructure and organizations within the Bedouin population in the Negev, Hagai Raznik, director of the Regavim Institute for the Development of the Negev, has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Shin Bet chief to declare a "national state of emergency" in the region. Raznik also urged the immediate adoption of the institute's plan for the Negev.

The appeal comes after a report revealed that Zini had alerted the cabinet to locations in the Bedouin sector where military infrastructure exists and is regularly thwarted by security forces. The Shin Bet head reportedly warned of military-scale Bedouin formations.

Raznik's letter to Netanyahu and the Shin Bet chief stated that Zini's warning aligns with the institute's reports and analyses, as well as statements from former senior security officials. The letter emphasized that the vast majority of the Bedouin population in the Negev is law-abiding and seeks peaceful lives, attributing the core problem to a governmental vacuum exploited by hostile elements.

The Regavim Institute describes the Negev as an "eighth front" due to its concentration of military and strategic assets, including Nevatim Air Force base, Hatzor and Tze'elim bases, and Ramat Hovav facilities. The institute warns of potential disruptions to military bases and major routes through riots and road blockades, as well as the risk of terrorist cells reaching the area quickly from southern Hebron or border breaches. They also express concern that explosive drones, counter-fire, and missile barrages could impair the Air Force's operational capabilities.

The institute claims a large cache of illegal weapons exists in the Negev, estimating 100,000-130,000 weapons, some stolen from IDF bases. They also point to an active criminal arms market and the annual seizure of hundreds of explosive devices.

The institute proposes several emergency measures, including declaring the area around Nevatim a statutory national security zone with enhanced enforcement around military bases and strategic installations. They also suggest a national operation to locate and remove illegal weapons, granting broad search and arrest powers based on intelligence. Other recommendations include appointing a coordinating government official to oversee inter-agency activities and reducing incentives for polygamy, regulating Bedouin settlement, and strengthening civilian governance through investments in education, infrastructure, and the economy. Raznik concluded by calling for an "immediate awakening" to address the reality in the Negev and restore governance and security for all residents.