Shin Bet Claims Arrest of 72 Negev Residents, Foiling Military Cell Plots

Israel's Shin Bet security agency announced Thursday that it has arrested approximately 72 individuals from the Negev and southern regions since the start of 2026, including 67 Israeli citizens, in cases it classifies as "security-related." The agency stated that indictments have been filed against about 50 of them. The Shin Bet also claimed to have uncovered plans by young men from the Bedouin town of Shaqib al-Salam to establish a "military battalion" and carry out attacks within Israel.

The Shin Bet's statement followed public skepticism from a senior Israeli police officer regarding the Shin Bet chief's claims about attempts to form armed, military-style groups in Negev Bedouin communities. The police officer questioned the basis for these assertions, stating that police officials and even Shin Bet personnel in the south were unaware of the information.

According to the Shin Bet, the 72 detainees are suspected of involvement in various offenses, including planning what Israel defines as "terrorist activity," arms smuggling, and other actions deemed detrimental to state security. The agency did not provide specific details for all cases or the evidence involved.

In one specific case highlighted by the Shin Bet, five young men from Shaqib al-Salam, all Israeli citizens, were arrested in May and June. The investigation allegedly revealed their intent to create a "military battalion" inspired by Palestinian militant groups. The Shin Bet claims these individuals discussed various attack methods, with one suspect identified as the "cell leader" allegedly working to form the armed group and posting "incitement" content online. The agency also alleged that one member agreed to a plan to attack a police station in Shaqib al-Salam and carry out a stabbing and shooting attack in Beersheba's central station, while another reportedly agreed to prepare explosives targeting Israeli security forces.

In a separate case, the Shin Bet reported the July arrest of Abdullah Jarjawi from Shaqib al-Salam, who allegedly planned an attack on a nightclub in Beersheba. Jarjawi is also accused of contacting ISIS elements and expressing a desire to travel to ISIS-controlled areas, along with sympathizing with groups like ISIS and Hamas.

Indictments have been filed at the Beersheba Central Court for these cases, with charges classified as "terror offenses." A senior Shin Bet official stated that these investigations demonstrate the "security threat posed by the formation of cells composed of Israeli citizens, some of them quasi-military, seeking to carry out attacks inside Israel," adding that operational activity prevented the planned attacks.