Israeli gov't considers moving over half a billion shekels from Arab sector to Shin Bet

The Israeli government is set to discuss reallocating approximately NIS 568 million from a five-year development plan for Arab society to fund the Shin Bet, police, and other enforcement bodies in their fight against organized crime. This budget, originally from Government Decision 550 (2021) aimed at reducing economic and social disparities, would instead support expanded intelligence and enforcement capabilities against criminal organizations, weapons smuggling, and extortion.

The decision will lead to widening gaps, weakening prevention mechanisms, and deepening the structural conditions that fuel crime and violence.

The Mossawa Center for the Rights of Arab Citizens has appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara to halt the move, arguing it undermines equality and could exacerbate the root causes of crime. They are considering legal action if the proposal is approved, citing an alternative NIS 750 million budget under Decision 549 for fighting crime in Arab society and alleging a breach of a prior commitment regarding the discussion timeline.