Shin Bet Arrests Dozens in Southern Israel for Security Offenses

The Shin Bet and police announced Thursday the arrest of 72 residents from the Negev and southern Israel since the start of 2026, suspected of security-related activities that endanger the state. Of those arrested, 67 are Israeli citizens. The suspects are accused of planning terror attacks, arms smuggling across borders, and other offenses.

In May and June 2026, five suspects from the Negev were detained for questioning. Investigations revealed that members of a cell, young Israeli citizens from Segev Shalom, planned to advance terror activities and establish a military battalion in their community, inspired by battalions in the West Bank. The cell members intended to carry out various attacks, including bombings. One member learned to build explosives from videos, while another agreed to act as an "engineer" to prepare bombs against Israeli security forces. Two other cell members agreed to carry out individual attacks; one planned a bombing and a stabbing attack for a known organization for two years, while the other agreed to attack the Segev Shalom police station.

In July 2026, Abdullah Jarjoui, an Israeli resident of Segev Shalom, was arrested. His investigation uncovered incitement to terror and plans for an attack at the Forum club in Beersheba. Jarjoui was in contact with ISIS operatives and expressed a desire to join their combat zones abroad, identifying with groups like ISIS and Hamas.

Serious indictments have been filed in the Beersheba District Court against all suspects for grave terror offenses. Additionally, indictments were filed against three Negev residents accused of supplying weapons to the terrorist who carried out the October 6, 2024, attack at the Beersheba central bus station. These three allegedly sold and assisted in the purchase of weapons and ammunition for Ahmad Al-Okobi, who killed Border Police Sergeant Shira Haya Suslik and injured others in that attack. The investigation indicated the three were aware Al-Okobi might be planning a terror attack. Some suspects were also involved in arms trafficking with other Negev residents.

A senior Shin Bet official stated that the investigations highlight the security risk posed by "semi-military" cells of Israeli citizens aiming to carry out terror attacks within Israel. He noted that numerous Negev residents were exposed in a short period for seeking to advance terror activities against Israeli targets, posing a significant risk to national security.