Israel Approves Plan to Involve Shin Bet in Combating Crime in Arab Sector

The Israeli government is set to approve a groundbreaking plan that will allow the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) to take an active role in fighting crime within the Arab community. This plan, developed jointly by the Prime Minister's Office, the National Security Ministry, the Israel Police, and the Ministry for Social Equality led by Minister May Golan, marks the first time that arms smuggling will be classified as a national security event, enabling Shin Bet's involvement.

A senior political source told Channel 14 News that the program will bring a revolution in addressing crime and has already received legal clearance, along with the support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Shin Bet leadership. The plan includes a dedicated budget for multiple initiatives: 272 million shekels to establish a national unit against extortion, 292 million shekels for multi-dimensional policing centers, 185 million shekels for complementary technological systems, 114 million shekels to create a special intelligence unit, and 100 million shekels for salary supplements for police officers serving in the Arab sector.

Additional funding includes 16 million shekels for a public information campaign and 8 million shekels for oversight mechanisms to prevent government funds from leaking to criminal organizations. Although the fight against extortion, considered terrorism against business owners, will not initially fall under Shin Bet due to legal restrictions, it will receive a special budget and a long-term plan. The expectation is that Shin Bet's involvement in arms smuggling will free police resources to focus more intensively on extortion cases.

This comprehensive strategy aims to significantly reduce crime rates in the Arab sector by leveraging Shin Bet's capabilities and enhancing police operations with advanced technology and intelligence support.