Al-Batuf Regional Council Head Arrested on Extortion Charges

Israeli police arrested Ahed Rahal, the 55-year-old head of the Al-Batuf Regional Council, on Monday morning as part of a broad operation against extortion and protection rackets in northern Israel. The operation has led to the arrest of over 50 suspects. A Haifa Magistrate's Court ordered Rahal's detention extended for a week pending investigation, as he is suspected of obtaining money under the guise of providing security services. During the court hearing, a police representative stated that approximately five complainants linked Rahal to the alleged offenses, involving sums amounting to millions of shekels. The investigation is examining the flow of funds and whether Rahal benefited indirectly. The police representative also noted that the security company "Eilon," under scrutiny in the case, is owned by the son of the council head. The son was previously arrested this year on suspicion of involvement in extortion in the Tamra area.

Sources close to Rahal claim he went to the police station to inquire about his son's arrest before being detained himself, asserting his innocence. Rahal has served as head of the Al-Batuf Regional Council since 2018 and was re-elected for a second term in 2024 with 56% of the vote. The council includes the villages of Al-Zaytun, Rumana, Wadi al-Hamam, and Rumat al-Hiyab. Prior to his political career, Rahal served in the Israeli police, receiving a bravery award in 2002 for his role in an incident involving a car bomb explosion that killed a police officer.