Shin Bet to join fight against Israel’s Arab-sector crime

The Israeli government approved a five-year, half-billion-shekel plan on Wednesday to involve the Shin Bet in combating crime in the Arab sector, joining forces with the Israel Police. This "unprecedented national effort" aims to address a significant spike in criminal cases, including the establishment of a new Shin Bet unit for smuggling and weapons trafficking, and bolstering intelligence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "Involving the ISA in the fight against crime in Arab society, which has become a national plague, is dramatic news and a significant step." The plan allocates 130 new personnel positions and an annual budget of 35 million shekels to the Shin Bet, alongside 132 million shekels for the Israel Police to establish a dedicated national unit and acquire advanced operational equipment. The initiative follows a surge in violence, with 144 lives lost in the Arab community this year, surpassing last year's figures.