Israel's Shin Bet Warns of New Terrorist Cell Formation in Negev

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has ordered the Shin Bet security agency to report on the potential formation of a new terrorist cell in the Negev region. The directive follows a warning from Shin Bet chief David Zini about armed groups organizing within the Bedouin sector of the Negev, a concern that has now reached the government level. Netanyahu has tasked the Shin Bet with preparing a detailed report and a counter-strategy, and he plans to hold a dedicated meeting on the matter in the coming days, according to Israel Hayom.

The issue was discussed during a government meeting where Israel Katz, the Defense Minister, briefed on the IDF's preparations for a potential conflict with the Palestinian Authority in Judea and Samaria. Deputy Minister Almog Cohen raised concerns about Israel's readiness for internal threats, citing the spread of illegal weapons in the Negev.

Zini informed ministers that "military infrastructures" are being established in the Bedouin sector of the Negev, with attempts to create armed units. He stated that the Shin Bet is already taking measures to thwart this activity. Netanyahu has requested a comprehensive assessment of the threat's scope and a concrete plan for its prevention.

This development comes after Netanyahu visited the western Negev with Katz and Itamar Ben-Gvir, where he acknowledged a significant deterioration in the region's security. He announced plans to reassert state control by expanding settlement activity, organizing Bedouin communities, and enforcing the law more strictly.

Previously, reports indicated Netanyahu's warning that Hamas might attempt an attack before upcoming elections to influence the results. He reportedly opened a government meeting by noting that three years had passed since the October 7th events.