Israeli Police Arrest Dozens in Major Crackdown on Protection Rackets in Southern Israel

In recent months, Israeli police have conducted an extensive investigation targeting protection rackets and extortion by threats in southern Israel. On Tuesday morning, dozens of suspects were arrested in a large-scale operation across the south, including Ashdod and Kiryat Gat, as well as other locations nationwide. The suspects are accused of involvement in protection money schemes, extortion, and other criminal offenses that have undermined public security and residents' sense of safety in the Lachish region.

The operation was carried out by detectives from the Lahav 433 unit, National Guard fighters from the Border Police, and officers from the Southern District and special police units. Evidence collected implicated key figures in the Southern District suspected of orchestrating these crimes. The detainees were transferred to the Central Unit of the Lachish region for interrogation and will be brought to court later for detention extension requests.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the police leadership and forces involved, emphasizing that the extensive raids and arrests represent the proper approach to combating protection racketeers. He highlighted legislative and enforcement measures taken since 2022, including establishing dedicated anti-protection units in the north and south and doubling indictments related to protection crimes. Ben-Gvir urged citizens not to fear reporting such crimes, assuring that police will continue to pursue extortionists relentlessly.