Israel Electric Company and Police Conduct Major Operation Against Electricity Theft in Rahat and Tarabin

On Wednesday, the Israel Electric Company and the Israeli Police carried out a large-scale enforcement operation in Rahat and Tarabin in the Negev region to combat widespread electricity theft. Approximately 50 Israel Electric Company workers, accompanied by police officers, Border Police fighters, and a helicopter, began the operation early in the morning. They used engineering equipment including tractors and lifting platforms to identify and disconnect over ten significant illegal electricity connections. The estimated value of the stolen electricity uncovered during the operation exceeds 3 million shekels.

Meir Spiegler, CEO of the Israel Electric Company, emphasized that illegal electricity connections cause network overloads, disrupt regular power supply, and pose fire and electrocution hazards. Rahat has experienced repeated power outages in recent months, partly due to the excessive strain on the grid caused by these thefts. The Israel Electric Company pledged to continue collaborating with law enforcement to eradicate the phenomenon, enhance public safety, and ensure stable and secure electricity supply for all residents.

Following the operation, criminal proceedings and civil claims will be initiated against those responsible for damaging the infrastructure. The coordinated effort highlights the ongoing challenge of electricity theft in southern Israel and the commitment of authorities to address it.