Israel Arrests 72 Negev Residents for Security Offenses, Foils Terror Plots

Israel's Shin Bet security agency revealed that 72 residents from the Negev and southern Israel have been arrested since the start of 2026 on suspicion of involvement in activities threatening national security. Of these, 67 are Israeli citizens. The Shin Bet stated that indictments have been filed in approximately 50 of these cases. The agency highlighted several foiled plots, including the suspected promotion of terror attacks, arms smuggling, and the establishment of terror infrastructure within Israel.

One significant case involved five residents of Segev Shalom, arrested in May and June. According to the Shin Bet, these individuals were planning to establish a "military battalion" in their town, inspired by Palestinian factions in the West Bank, with the aim of carrying out attacks in Israel. The alleged leader of this cell reportedly promoted terror activities on social media and encouraged attacks, including a shooting at the Segev Shalom police station and a stabbing and shooting at the Beersheba central bus station. Other members allegedly agreed to join the battalion, with one expressing intent to build explosive devices and another planning a stabbing attack in the name of the Islamic State.

Another case detailed the arrest of Abdullah Jerjawi, an Israeli citizen from Segev Shalom, in July. The Shin Bet reported that Jerjawi allegedly incited terrorism and planned an attack on "The Forum" club in Beersheba. He is also suspected of communicating with Islamic State operatives and expressing a desire to join their combat zones abroad, while identifying with groups like the Islamic State and Hamas.

A senior Shin Bet official emphasized that these cases demonstrate the danger posed by cells formed by Israeli citizens, including those with semi-military structures, aiming to advance attacks within Israel. The official credited the Shin Bet and Israel Police's intelligence gathering, threat monitoring, disruption efforts, and arrests for thwarting these plans.

In related news, the article mentions other foiled operations, including two espionage and incitement channels by Iran and Hamas within Israel. One involved a Bat Yam resident recruited by Iranian intelligence via social media to carry out security missions for payment, and another concerned a Kafr Qasim resident facing charges for spreading propaganda and hate speech under Hamas direction to cause public panic.