Expert Warns of Terror Infrastructure Being Built in Negev Bedouin Community

Middle East expert Yoni Ben Menachem has warned of a serious, developing threat within Israel's Bedouin community in the Negev, stating that military infrastructure and organization attempts by terror operatives are underway. Speaking on Channel 14's "Israel HaBoker" program, hosted by Oded Menashe, Ben Menachem asserted that the situation in the Bedouin diaspora is far more severe than officially reported. He indicated that criminal organizations are facilitating the establishment of "battalions" inspired by terror groups operating in Judea and Samaria.

Ben Menachem elaborated that the discovery of military infrastructure in the Negev is more alarming than official statements suggest, revealing that dozens of terror operatives were involved in establishing a military battalion. He explained that these Bedouin operatives adopted the concept of Islamic Jihad's battalions in Judea and Samaria, linking it to criminal organizations and clans involved in large-scale smuggling of advanced weaponry, drones, and significant arms. "This is not for criminal purposes, this is preparation for terror attacks against the State of Israel, which is why this is very serious," Ben Menachem stated.

Shifting to the Iranian threat, Ben Menachem presented a scenario where upcoming Knesset elections could be postponed due to security developments. He emphasized that if intelligence indicates hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones are aimed at Israel and ready for launch within hours, the government's primary duty is to preemptively thwart the threat. "If Israel identifies clear intelligence signs that Iran is planning an attack on us, even alone, to attack and destroy these missiles and drones before they are launched, there is no debate here. We must stop frightening the public here. Our duty is to strike them first," he said.

Regarding the situation in Yemen, Ben Menachem expressed skepticism about Saudi Arabia's ability to form effective regional coalitions with Turkey and Pakistan against the Houthis. He noted the Houthis' sustained success against the Saudis since 2015 and Turkey and Pakistan's lack of motivation for ground combat in Yemen. Ben Menachem cautioned against underestimating the Houthis, describing them as fighters with deeply buried weaponry, including drones and ballistic missiles, that are beyond the capabilities of air power to destroy.

Finally, Ben Menachem dismissed recent publications concerning the testimony of a former military secretary about the events of October 7th as part of orchestrated political maneuvers ahead of elections. He characterized the information as recycled and part of a coordinated campaign against the Likud and the Prime Minister.