Lawyer Claims Shin Bet Chief's Remarks Threaten Negev Arabs

Lawyer Shadeh Bin Bri expressed concern over recent statements by Shin Bet chief Duvdevani regarding alleged military infrastructure and attempts to form military-style groups within Bedouin communities in the Negev. Bin Bri, speaking on Radio al-Shams, described Duvdevani's remarks as part of a broader policy targeting Arab citizens of the Negev. He highlighted skepticism from a senior Israeli police official who questioned the source of Duvdevani's information, noting that such intelligence should be shared with law enforcement. Bin Bri warned that releasing such information without proper channels could incite panic and negatively impact Negev's Arab residents.

Bin Bri suggested the timing of Duvdevani's statements, coinciding with the anniversary of the October 7th attacks and approaching elections, raises questions. He believes these narratives could damage the image of Arab citizens among the Israeli public. The lawyer cautioned that portraying the Negev's Arab population as a security threat might lead to harsher measures and that security reports could be used to politically target the Arab community. He differentiated between organized crime, which he acknowledged exists in the Negev, and accusations of terrorist or military affiliations, arguing that crime should be addressed as a security and social issue affecting Arab citizens, not as justification for viewing the entire community as a threat.

Bin Bri urged political leaders and the Arab community to take Duvdevani's statements seriously and to counter the narrative through media and public platforms. He stressed the importance of not succumbing to despair or fear, encouraging the Arab community to raise awareness among its youth and utilize available political tools, including participation in upcoming elections. He called for organized action from political leadership, civil society, and media, alongside demands for official clarification on the basis of the security warnings.