As part of the national campaign to enhance public safety and combat organized crime in the Arab sector, a large-scale enforcement operation was carried out today (Wednesday) in the city of Rahat and its surroundings. During the raid, more than 60 vehicles were confiscated, with an estimated total value exceeding 20 million shekels—aimed at cutting off the financial lifeline of the local crime families.
Over 1,000 officers from the Israel Police, Border Police, National Guard, and various government enforcement bodies participated in the operation. It was led by the Southern District of the Israel Police in coordination with the National Task Force for Combating Crime in the Arab Sector under the Prime Minister’s Office, and with the involvement of additional agencies such as the Israel Tax Authority and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet). The overt stage of the operation was launched under the direction of Police Commissioner Inspector General Daniel Levi.
Minister of National Security MK Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the scene to monitor the operation in the field.
“Today we are doing what has not been done for many years. We are going into the heart of towns and villages and fighting crime and lawlessness,” said Ben-Gvir.
Police Commissioner Levi reaffirmed the police’s commitment to restoring law and order in the Negev:
“We are here, and we will continue with these urban operations alongside all of our partners. The State of Israel—as a single unified regulator—has the power to win in any situation. I am very optimistic when I look at all of you.”
During the overt phase of the operation, enforcement forces raided dozens of compounds and businesses in Rahat and the Tarabin area, using powers from a range of civilian authorities including the Tax Authority, the Israel Electric Corporation, the Antiquities Authority, and the Ministry of Health. The operation was designed to strike at the infrastructure of organized crime and to restore the public’s sense of safety.
