Israeli Police Arrest Dozens in Southern Crackdown on Protection Racket Extortion

Israeli police and Border Police conducted a large-scale operation in southern Israel on Tuesday morning, arresting dozens of suspects accused of extorting protection money and threatening businesses. The raids targeted homes in Ashdod and Kiryat Gat, where evidence was gathered against key figures in the southern district suspected of involvement in protection rackets, extortion by threats, and other criminal offenses. The arrested individuals were taken for interrogation at the Central Unit of the Lachish region, with police planning to request extended detention during court hearings later in the day to support ongoing investigations.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the police operation, emphasizing that such direct action against extortionists, raiding their homes and dismantling their networks, is the proper approach to combating protection rackets. The investigation also involves other suspects, including former police officers and businessman Guy Atiya from Rishon Lezion, who is linked to a related protection racket case.