Israeli Police Seize Weapons, Vehicles, and Illegal Fuel in Massive Negev Operation

Israeli police conducted a large-scale operation on Wednesday in the Negev towns of Rahat and Tarabin, targeting organized crime and economic offenses. The operation, named "Derech Arim," involved about 400 officers from the Southern District, Border Police fighters, special police units, and representatives from 26 enforcement and regulatory agencies including the Tax Authority, Electricity Company, Ministry of Health, Israel Land Authority, National Insurance Institute, and Ministry of Transport.

During the raid across approximately 150 locations and businesses, authorities seized firearms, ammunition, and vehicles valued at over 7 million shekels. Specifically, two pistols and ammunition were confiscated, along with more than 40 vehicles including trucks, trailers, private cars, commercial vehicles, and scooters. Additionally, about 50,000 liters of illegal fuel, fuel pumps, and storage tanks from an unlicensed gas station were seized. Hundreds of kilograms of spoiled meat were destroyed at two butcheries, and a bakery was ordered closed immediately by the Ministry of Health.

Ten suspects were detained, including six illegal residents. In the days leading up to the operation, dozens of vehicles were impounded. The Tax Authority uncovered unreported income in dozens of businesses, and VAT inspections revealed various violations. The Electricity Company disconnected power in eight cases and found ten instances of electricity theft. The Israel Land Authority identified several land trespasses and initiated enforcement actions, while the Enforcement Authority opened two cases imposing fines totaling around 600,000 shekels. The National Insurance Institute launched two investigations into suspected unemployment benefit fraud.

The police emphasized that the operation aimed to strengthen governance and deliver a blow to criminal organizations, alongside economic enforcement against tax offenses, electricity theft, and other violations. The operation was commanded by Police Commissioner Major General Danni Levi, Southern District Commander Chief Superintendent Haim Bublil, and Negev Area Commander Deputy Chief Superintendent Amir Klein, with cooperation from the Prime Minister’s Office’s Arab Society Crime Fighting Unit, the Shin Bet, and other government bodies.