The government approved this evening (Wednesday) the plan led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Social Equality May Golan, and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir - which will involve the Shin Bet in the fight against crime in the Arab sector.
As part of the program, approximately NIS 497 million will be diverted from the 'Five-Year Plan 550', in favor of an unprecedented national move to combat criminal organizations in the Arab sector.
As part of the program, approximately 364.5 million NIS will be allocated to the Shin Bet, for the purpose of establishing a dedicated unit to combat smuggling and trafficking in weapons and to strengthen intelligence and operational capabilities.
In addition, approximately 132.4 million NIS will be allocated to the police to establish a national unit dedicated to combating crime in Arab society, including establishing technology systems and equipping them with advanced operational means.
In addition, an additional 130 personnel standards will be allocated to the Shin Bet starting in 2026, alongside a fixed budget allocation of NIS 35 million annually, starting in 2026.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: "The introduction of the Shin Bet into the fight against crime in Arab society, which has become a scourge of the state, is dramatic news and a significant step in the war of attrition that we are waging against criminal organizations.".
""The combination of the intelligence, operational and technological capabilities of the Shin Bet, alongside the activities of the Israel Police and all enforcement agencies, will make it possible to use the best tools at the state's disposal - including advanced means and intelligence capabilities - to reach the heads of criminal organizations, damage their infrastructure and restore personal security to citizens.".
""We will not accept a reality of violence, extortion and murder on the streets. The State of Israel will act decisively, forcefully and without compromise to eradicate criminal organizations and restore security on the streets. I congratulate Minister May Golan and Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for leading this important move.".
Minister of Social Equality and the Advancement of the Status of Women May Golan: "From the moment I took office, I struggled to expose the truth about the Bennett-Abbas government's five-year plan. I fought against enormous pressure, corrupt bureaucracy, and a media attack - to stop the continued flow of billions without supervision and control, and I presented Prime Minister Netanyahu with classified intelligence information that indicated the leakage of public funds to murderous criminal organizations.
""I am proud that together with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Minister Ben Gvir and Shin Bet head David Zini, we led a historic correction today and reversed the equation: instead of public money strengthening criminal organizations - they will strengthen the Shin Bet and the police in the fight against them, for the security of Israeli citizens!".
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir: "Great news for the citizens of Israel, bitter news for criminal organizations. After the previous failed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar stood on his hind legs to prevent the Shin Bet from entering the fight against Arab crime, the excellent new Shin Bet chief David Zini got involved, and I am glad that Minister May Golan and I were able to obtain the designated budget that will allow the Shin Bet to participate in the fight against this scourge of the country, which has been neglected for decades.".
