Netanyahu Pledges Iron Fist Against Crime in Arab Society
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a commitment to combat crime in Arab communities with an "iron fist," allocating one billion shekels and involving the Shin Bet security agency. The government approved integrating the Shin Bet into crime-fighting operations alongside the police, with nearly half a billion shekels dedicated to this initiative. The plan includes funding for specialized Shin Bet and police units, enhanced intelligence, and advanced technology to dismantle criminal organizations and restore security.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged to fight crime in Arab communities with an "iron fist."
- One billion shekels have been allocated to involve the Shin Bet security agency in combating crime.
- The government approved integrating the Shin Bet into crime-fighting operations alongside the police.
- Approximately 497 million shekels will fund specialized Shin Bet and police units and enhance capabilities.
- The Shin Bet will receive additional personnel and a fixed annual budget starting in 2026.
- Netanyahu stated Israel will act with determination to eliminate criminal organizations and restore security.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to "strike criminal organizations with an iron fist," announcing a significant allocation of funds and the involvement of the Shin Bet security agency in combating crime within the Arab community. The pledge was made via a post on his official Arabic-language Facebook page, accompanied by a news item detailing a one billion shekel allocation to involve the Shin Bet in this effort.
In a joint statement on July 16, 2026, with Minister of Social Equality May Golan and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu announced the government's approval to integrate the Shin Bet into crime-fighting operations alongside the police. This initiative, costing nearly half a billion shekels, aims to address the escalating issue of crime in the Arab sector.
The plan involves transferring approximately 497 million shekels from a five-year plan to fund this national effort against criminal organizations. Of this, about 364.5 million shekels will be dedicated to the Shin Bet for establishing a specialized unit to combat arms smuggling and trafficking, and to enhance intelligence and operational capabilities. An additional 132.4 million shekels will be allocated to the police for a national unit focused on crime in Arab communities, including the development of advanced technological systems and operational tools.
Furthermore, the Shin Bet will receive 130 additional personnel positions starting in 2026, along with a fixed annual budget of 35 million shekels. Netanyahu stated, "We will not accept the reality of violence, extortion, and murder in the streets. The State of Israel will act with determination, strength, and without compromise to eliminate criminal organizations and restore security in the streets."
He emphasized that integrating the Shin Bet, with its intelligence, operational, and technological capabilities, alongside police efforts, will provide the best tools to dismantle criminal organizations and restore citizens' personal security. Netanyahu congratulated Ministers Golan and Ben-Gvir for leading this significant step.
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