Head of Al-Batouf Council Arrested in Northern Protection Racket Bust

Ahad Rahal, the 55-year-old head of the Al-Batouf Regional Council, was arrested early Tuesday morning as part of a major police operation targeting protection rackets in northern Israel. A Haifa Magistrate's Court extended Rahal's detention by a week, along with dozens of other suspects arrested in the sweep. Rahal's son is also among those detained.

Sources close to Rahal offered a different account, stating that police arrested his son, who had been previously detained. Rahal reportedly went to the police station to inquire about his son's situation and was arrested himself. They deny his involvement in the alleged crimes.

During the court hearing, a police representative confirmed that a security company named "Ayalon," which is under investigation, is owned by Rahal's son. While Rahal is not officially listed as a shareholder or officer in the investigated companies, evidence suggests his active involvement in receiving funds disguised as security services and benefiting indirectly from them. The police stated that approximately five complainants have linked Rahal to the offenses, with the judge noting the case involves millions of shekels. The exact amount allegedly received by Rahal himself remains under investigation, and no cash was seized during the searches, though mobile devices and media were confiscated.

Rahal, a recipient of the Police Commissioner's Medal of Excellence for his actions during a 2002 incident where a booby-trapped vehicle exploded, killing a fellow officer, has served as head of the Al-Batouf Regional Council since 2018. He was re-elected for a second term in 2024. The investigation into protection rackets comes amid widespread complaints from contractors and business owners in the north who describe facing threats, equipment damage, and fear for their safety and livelihoods if they refuse to pay.

The police requested an 11-day extension for Rahal's detention, citing numerous investigative actions. His lawyer argued for his release under supervision, but the judge denied the request, stating the suspicion against Rahal was "well beyond initial suspicion." The judge also ordered the Israel Prison Service to assess Rahal's medical needs, noting his status as a police retiree and combat veteran.