Shin Bet Thwarts Terror Plots by Bedouin Citizens Aiming to Form 'Military Battalions'

Israel's Shin Bet security agency has revealed details of investigations into Bedouin citizens in the Negev region suspected of planning terror attacks and attempting to establish "paramilitary-like battalions." According to the Shin Bet, since the beginning of 2026, 72 residents of the Negev and Southern Israel have been detained for security offenses, with 67 holding Israeli blue identity cards. Indictments have been filed against approximately 50 of those detained.

In May and June, five young Israeli citizens from Segev Shalom were arrested on suspicion of planning to form a "military battalion" in their community, inspired by Palestinian factions in the West Bank. The Shin Bet alleges that these individuals intended to carry out various attacks as part of the battalion's activities. The alleged leader of this cell reportedly sought to establish the group, drawing inspiration from "terror battalions in Judea and Samaria" and expressing Palestinian sympathies, while also inciting against Israel on social media.

Further details from the investigation indicate that another cell member agreed to carry out attacks, including shooting at the Segev Shalom police station and a stabbing and shooting attack at the central bus station in Beersheba. This individual also reportedly studied bomb-making from videos. Another member agreed to join as the "engineer" responsible for preparing explosives against security forces, while yet another planned an independent bombing attack after his release from detention and expressed support for the Islamic State, having planned a stabbing attack in its name for two years.

In a separate case, Abdullah Jerjawi, an Israeli citizen from Segev Shalom, was arrested in July. The Shin Bet claims he incited terrorism and planned an attack at the "Forum" club in Beersheba, while also maintaining contact with Islamic State operatives and expressing a desire to join their combat zones abroad. Jerjawi reportedly identified with various terror organizations, including Hamas and the Islamic State.

Indictments have been filed against all individuals mentioned in the Shin Bet's announcement in the Beersheba District Court, charging them with serious terror offenses. A senior Shin Bet official stated that these investigations highlight the security risk posed by "semi-military" cells of Israeli citizens aiming to advance terror attacks within Israel, emphasizing that their activities were thwarted by the Shin Bet and Israel Police. The official added that these cases demonstrate how quickly individuals from the Negev were identified and their plans to carry out attacks against Israeli targets were stopped, posing a significant risk to national security.