Shin Bet to Lead Crackdown on Crime in Arab Society with Dedicated Budget

The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) will take a direct role in combating crime within the Arab community, with a dedicated budget of 500 million shekels allocated for this purpose. This funding comes from the previous government's Plan 550 for the Arab sector and was announced by Government Secretary Yossi Fox on Monday evening. The initiative follows a prolonged effort led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Minister for Social Equality May Golan, with the government expected to approve the decision in its upcoming Sunday session.

Minister Ben-Gvir praised the move, stating that it marks a significant victory for Israeli citizens and a setback for criminal organizations. He criticized the former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar for resisting the agency's involvement in Arab crime issues, but welcomed the new chief David Zini's commitment to the cause. Minister Golan highlighted her fight against the previous "Takadom" plan, which she said funneled billions without oversight, indirectly benefiting criminal groups. She expressed satisfaction that, together with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Minister Ben-Gvir, they are redirecting resources toward a genuine fight against crime and restoring security for Israeli citizens.

The plan involves cooperation between Shin Bet under David Zini and the Israel Police to conduct an uncompromising campaign against violent crime and terrorism in the Arab sector, aiming to address a problem neglected for decades.