Israeli Police Chief Vows Relentless Fight Against Protection Racket Crime in Southern Israel

Israeli Police Commissioner Major General Danni Levi addressed the recent surge in protection racket crimes in southern Israel, describing it as a "plague" that requires decisive action. Speaking on Tuesday, Levi praised police forces for their recent operations, which led to the arrest of a major crime boss and dozens of senior underworld figures. He emphasized that the arrested criminal organization will be incapacitated from operating in the near future.

Levi detailed that one crime syndicate attempted to seize control over Ashdod, but police agents intervened effectively. He noted a general decline in property crimes, violent offenses, murders, and attempted murders, attributing this to ongoing police efforts. Commander of the Southern District, Haim Bulil, described the investigation as involving dozens of suspects and delivering a severe blow to criminals active in the Lachish region.

Deputy Commander Shahar Levi of the Lachish Criminal Investigation Unit added that the investigation involved over a year of covert work, uncovering threats against restaurants and delivery businesses, which criminal groups had taken over. Earlier on Tuesday, a large-scale police operation led by the Lachish Regional Unit and National Guard fighters resulted in the arrests of dozens of suspects across Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, and other locations nationwide.

The suspects were transferred to the central investigation unit of the Lachish region and were scheduled for court hearings regarding extended detention requests. Police confirmed that evidence was collected against key figures in the southern district suspected of involvement in protection rackets, extortion, and other criminal offenses undermining public security and residents' sense of safety in the southern region.

The police vow to continue their comprehensive campaign against organized crime groups to restore law and order in southern Israel.