Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the subcommittee on advancing the fight against crime in the Arab sector today (Thursday) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem. During the meeting, Netanyahu received a security briefing on the scope and implications of the growing strength of organized crime organizations, particularly within Arab society.
New Legal Designation in the Works
During the session, it was decided to promote a new legal infrastructure that would allow these criminal organizations to be defined as terrorist organizations—a move that would enable the ISA (Israel Security Agency, or Shin Bet) to be involved in the fight, similar to its role in combating nationalist terrorism.
“These murderous crime organizations pose an existential threat to the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said. “We will deploy all the powerful tools the state has against them.”
Shin Bet Awaits the Green Light
According to the recommendation of Roy Kahlon, the Head of the Task Force for Combating Crime in Arab Society, and with the backing of all security agencies—including the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the National Security Council—the Minister of Justice has been instructed to urgently convene a meeting with the Attorney General to develop a legal framework that will enable this exceptional classification.
“This is a direct threat to Israel’s national security,” Kahlon stated.
Tightening the Net on Organized Crime
In parallel, the Prime Minister has directed efforts to advance legislation to prevent organized crime from infiltrating public tenders and to promote broad legislation against black-market capital. These measures are expected to cut off financial resources for the crime networks and inject billions into the state’s coffers.
In addition, a special Crime Cabinet will be established, headed by attorney Roy Kahlon and the Police Commissioner. This body will meet regularly to oversee and coordinate the entire fight against organized crime.
