Israeli gov't diverts over half a billion shekels from Israel Police to Shin Bet

The Israeli government approved a plan on Wednesday to reallocate approximately NIS 497 million from an Arab sector development budget (Government Decision 550) to the Shin Bet and Israel Police. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Equality Minister May Golan, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the plan aims to combat crime in the Arab sector. NIS 364.5 million will go to the Shin Bet for a specialized unit targeting illegal weapons and bolstering intelligence, with an additional NIS 35 million for 130 new personnel. The Israel Police will receive NIS 132.4 million to establish a unit for Arab-sector crime and enhance technological capabilities.

"Involving the Shin Bet in the fight against crime in Arab society, which has become a national plague, is dramatic news and a significant step in the all-out war we are waging against criminal organizations," Netanyahu stated.

However, human rights organizations, including the Mossawa Center and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, denounced the move, citing concerns about human rights violations and the Shin Bet's unauthorized role in criminal law enforcement. They argue that the funds should not be diverted from programs designed to reduce economic and social gaps in Arab society and that alternative funding sources exist.