Israeli Government Approves Shin Bet Role in Combating Crime in Arab Society with Nearly NIS 500 Million Funding

The Israeli government has approved a plan led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Social Equality Minister May Golan, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to involve the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) in fighting crime within the Arab community. Approximately NIS 497 million will be reallocated from the five-year plan "Chomesh 550" to support a joint operation between the Shin Bet and the police against criminal organizations. Of this, about NIS 364.5 million will fund the establishment of a dedicated Shin Bet unit focused on combating arms smuggling and trafficking, while enhancing intelligence and operational capabilities.

Additionally, around NIS 132.4 million will be allocated to the Israel Police to create a national unit targeting crime in the Arab sector, including advanced technology and operational equipment. Starting in 2026, the Shin Bet will add 130 new personnel positions and receive an annual budget increase of NIS 35 million.

Prime Minister Netanyahu hailed the plan as a "dramatic breakthrough" in the fight against crime, emphasizing that integrating Shin Bet's capabilities with police efforts will target crime leaders and infrastructure to restore public safety. He vowed that Israel would act decisively to eliminate violence, extortion, and murder on the streets.

Minister May Golan called the decision a "historic correction," noting her efforts to halt unmonitored funding flows that allegedly benefited criminal groups. She stressed that public funds will now strengthen law enforcement rather than criminal organizations. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the move as "great news for Israeli citizens and bitter news for crime groups," criticizing former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar for opposing the plan and praising current chief David Zini for supporting it.