Shin Bet Arrests 72 Suspects in Negev Terror Cell Plots

The head of the Shin Bet, David Zini, has warned the Israeli cabinet about the establishment of military-style organizations within the Bedouin population in the Negev desert, describing it as a "very worrying phenomenon" of "attempts to establish military battalions." The Shin Bet revealed on Thursday that since the beginning of 2026, 72 residents of the Negev and southern Israel, 67 of whom are Israeli citizens, have been arrested for investigation. The suspects are accused of planning terror activities and arms smuggling across borders, with indictments filed against approximately 50 of them. These arrests are the result of ongoing investigations throughout the year that, according to the Shin Bet, have thwarted plans to attack civilians and security forces. One specific case involved five young Israeli citizens from Segev Shalom, arrested in May and June, who allegedly planned to form a battalion inspired by Palestinian organizations in the West Bank. Their alleged plans included a shooting attack on the Segev Shalom police station and another on the central bus station in Beersheba. The investigation indicated that the cell leader was working to consolidate the organization while posting inciting content online. The Shin Bet also detailed planned role divisions, including one member agreeing to act as an "engineer" to prepare explosives against security forces, and another planning an independent attack and expressing support for ISIS. Indictments have been filed against these individuals in the Beersheba District Court. This announcement follows criticism from a senior police official who questioned Zini's warning, telling ynet that relevant authorities in the southern district were unaware of the information and that such intelligence should be shared with the police. Separately, in August, a 20-year-old from Segev Shalom, Abdullah Gargawi, was indicted for planning an attack at the Forum club in Beersheba and other security offenses, reportedly after contacting ISIS supporters and stating he wanted to "blow up the people dancing there, whether they are Jews or Arabs." This case was also mentioned in the Shin Bet's announcement.