Negev Residents Blame Government as Extortion Rings Flourish
Translated & summarized from Channel 13 by baba
Negev residents are blaming the Israeli government for a rise in extortion, with one stating "The state has given up on us." Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir's office called a Channel 13 report on the issue distorted, claiming significant progress is being made. The minister's office cited increased indictments, weapon seizures, and Shin Bet involvement as successes in combating crime.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Negev residents accuse the Israeli government of abandoning them amid a surge in extortion.
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's office called a Channel 13 report on the issue a distorted picture of reality.
- Ben-Gvir's office claims significant progress is being made in combating crime and extortion.
- The minister's office cited a doubling of extortion indictments and weapon seizures as successes.
- The statement highlighted the establishment of the National Guard and Shin Bet involvement in crime fighting.
Residents of the Negev region are accusing the Israeli government of abandoning them amid a surge in extortion activities, with one resident stating, "The state has given up on us." The report highlights a growing problem of "protection rackets" operating in the southern region.
In response, the office of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir issued a statement calling the Channel 13 report a "distorted and tendentious picture of reality." The minister's office asserted that the report ignored enforcement data and achievements on the ground, claiming that Ben-Gvir is addressing "30 years of neglect" where previous governments prioritized temporary quiet over fighting crime organizations.
The minister's office pointed to a decrease in shooting incidents in the Negev, a doubling of indictments for extortion, a tripling of opened extortion cases, the seizure of thousands of weapons, confiscation of assets from crime organizations, the establishment of the National Guard, the enactment of an extortion law, and the involvement of the Shin Bet in combating crime as evidence of progress.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
