Nazareth Sees 77 Days Without Murder Amid Police Crackdown on Crime

Nazareth, a city that has recently led in the number of murders in its area, has now experienced 77 consecutive days without a single homicide. This unprecedented period of calm has given residents a renewed sense of personal security, a feeling they had not experienced in a long time. The decline in violent crime is largely attributed to intensified police efforts by the Northern District Police, focusing on neighborhoods with high criminal activity.

Residents expressed hope that the peaceful trend continues, noting that previously murders occurred almost weekly alongside numerous shootings targeting homes and businesses. The police have increased their presence significantly, seizing weapons and ammunition almost daily. In the past two weeks alone, about 13 firearms, magazines, and other ammunition were confiscated.

A recent police operation removed surveillance cameras installed by the Bekri crime organization in key public areas and businesses. These cameras were used by the gang to monitor vehicle and pedestrian movements, including police patrols. Removing them aims to disrupt the gang’s ability to control and surveil the city.

Several arrests have been made recently, including suspects caught with illegal firearms such as FN pistols, Colt revolvers, and Carlo submachine guns. Prosecutors have filed indictments against these suspects, with requests for continued detention pending trial. Police records from late July to early August show a steady stream of weapon seizures, highlighting the ongoing crackdown.

Deputy Commissioner Ran Ofir, commander of the Emek region, emphasized that the police are waging a relentless war against crime families in the Arab community, with Nazareth serving as a microcosm for the broader Northern District. Hundreds of officers from various units are deployed daily, targeting key criminal figures. Following the recent dismantling of the Bekri crime organization’s leadership, the police are now focusing on eradicating local criminals to restore security and order to the city’s streets.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to continue this focused and determined effort to eliminate crime and bring lasting peace to Nazareth.