Israeli Government Approves Shin Bet Role in Combating Crime in Arab Communities

The Israeli government has approved a plan to involve the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) in fighting crime within Arab society, in coordination with the Israel Police. The decision, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Social Equality Minister May Golan, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, reallocates approximately 497 million shekels from the five-year plan budget to establish dedicated units in both the Shin Bet and the police to target organized crime.

Of the total budget, about 364.5 million shekels will fund a new Shin Bet unit focused on combating arms smuggling and trafficking, while enhancing the agency's intelligence and operational capabilities. Meanwhile, 132.4 million shekels will support the creation of a national police unit equipped with advanced technology and operational tools to fight crime in Arab communities. Starting in 2026, the Shin Bet will receive 130 new personnel positions and an annual budget of 35 million shekels to sustain the unit's activities.

Prime Minister Netanyahu hailed the move as a "dramatic breakthrough" in the fight against organized crime, emphasizing the integration of intelligence, operational, and technological resources to dismantle criminal networks and restore public safety. He stressed the government's firm stance against violence and extortion in the streets.

Minister May Golan criticized the previous five-year plan under the Bennett-Abbas government for lack of oversight and funding leaks to criminal organizations. She highlighted the presentation of classified intelligence to Netanyahu revealing public funds' diversion to violent crime groups. Golan expressed pride in leading the historic reform alongside Netanyahu, Ben-Gvir, and Shin Bet chief David Zini to redirect resources toward law enforcement.

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also welcomed the decision, noting that the former Shin Bet chief had resisted the agency's involvement in Arab crime issues, but the current leadership supports the initiative. He called the funding a significant achievement to address a long-neglected national problem.