Shin Bet Chief Warns of Bedouin "Battalions" in Negev; Police Deny Knowledge
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Shin Bet chief David Zini warned the Israeli cabinet about the formation of Bedouin "battalions" and military infrastructures in the Negev. A police source, however, denied knowledge of any such paramilitary organizations, stating they are unaware of any active groups. The police noted a 20% decrease in shooting incidents in the Bedouin community recently, attributing it to their efforts. Zini's warning was made during a cabinet discussion on regional security threats.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet chief David Zini warned the cabinet of Bedouin "battalions" forming in the Negev.
- A police source denied knowledge of any paramilitary groups or "battalions" in the South.
- The police reported a 20% decrease in shooting incidents in the Bedouin community recently.
- Zini's warning was issued during a cabinet meeting discussing threats from Gaza and the West Bank.
- The Shin Bet is reportedly thwarting attempts to establish military infrastructures in Bedouin towns.
The head of Israel's Shin Bet security agency, David Zini, reportedly warned the cabinet of the formation of Bedouin "battalions" in the southern Negev region. Zini stated that there are military infrastructures in Bedouin towns and that the agency is "continuously thwarting attempts to establish military battalions," describing the phenomenon as "very worrying."
However, a police source expressed surprise at the report, telling i24NEWS that they are unaware of any such paramilitary groups. "We don't know anything like that, maybe there are ideas, but practically no one knows about the existence of paramilitary battalions in the South, there are no organizations we know of," the source said.
This statement from the police comes despite Zini's warning, which was discussed in a cabinet meeting focused on threats from Gaza and the West Bank, alongside concerns about Hamas's growing strength and potential attacks. The police source also noted that in recent months, there has been a 20% decrease in shooting incidents within the Bedouin community compared to the same period last year, attributing this to significant police efforts in the community.
The Shin Bet chief's remarks were made during a discussion about the broader security situation, including escalating tensions with Gaza and the West Bank.
