Israeli Police Investigate 83-Year-Old Bedouin Man for Polygamy and Illegal Residency

Israeli police are investigating an 83-year-old Bedouin man from Rahat who is reportedly married to nine women and father to 45 children. Authorities suspect that five of his wives are not legal residents of Israel, including some from the Palestinian Authority, and that some may have stayed in Israel without proper permits. The investigation began in May by the polygamy unit of the Southern District's Central Unit. Last week, one of his wives from the Dahariya area was detained for questioning and subsequently deported. The man was also questioned on suspicions of harboring and transporting illegal residents and was released under restrictive conditions, including house arrest.

In a separate case, a 40-year-old man from Bir al-Saba was investigated for polygamy after marrying a third wife on July 30. Shortly after their wedding, the couple went on a honeymoon to Barcelona. Upon their return to Israel on August 15, he was arrested at Ben Gurion Airport during a joint operation by the Central Unit and airport police. The third wife was detained for questioning, and testimonies were collected from his other two wives. He was released under restrictive conditions while police continue gathering evidence linking him to the offense.

Both investigations are ongoing, and upon completion, the cases will be forwarded to the Southern District Prosecutor's Office for review. These cases highlight ongoing police efforts to address polygamy and illegal residency issues within the Bedouin community in southern Israel.