An 8-year-old boy was killed in a shooting incident within a Bedouin community. Yesterday evening (Friday), a report was received about gunfire targeting a wedding convoy. Seven participants were injured, including the child who was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Large forces from the Southern District, including National Guard Southern fighters, Sahr (Special Operations) and Yoav units, led by officers from the Negev region and the Ayerot police station, arrived at the scene. The forces immediately began a manhunt for the suspects involved.
18 Arrested in Connection with the Blood Feud
Throughout the night and into today, 18 individuals involved in the violent family conflict were arrested on suspicion of participating in the shooting. They were also detained on suspicion of planning a retaliatory attack. Four suspects who tried to flee were captured by detectives from the Negev Central Unit.
“Relentless Ongoing Effort”
In a situational assessment led by Southern District Commander Haim Bublil, it was decided that the central unit of the Negev District would take charge of the investigation. According to the police, Bublil “closely monitored the forces’ field readiness and the rapid operational response to manage the conflict and prevent further violence.
The police statement noted that Police Commissioner Daniel Levy instructed “a relentless and aggressive effort against criminal elements” and directed the use of all necessary measures to locate and apprehend all those involved.
The statement concluded: “Israel Police will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to violent and shooting-related crime. All necessary resources, both overt and covert, will be utilized to apprehend offenders, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, and remove them from society to ensure public safety and security.
Watch the Police mass arrest operations:
