Israel Police Launches Large-Scale Operation to Combat Crime in Arab Sector

On Tuesday, the Israel Police initiated a “large-scale joint operation” aimed at addressing the escalating issue of crime in the Arab sector. The operation, led by Coastal District Commander Deputy Commissioner Yehiel Bohadana, is focused on targeting criminal activities, including violence on the streets, outstanding debts, and individuals involved in the criminal underworld. The goal is to restore public safety and ensure a peaceful, law-abiding environment for all citizens.

The joint effort is being conducted in collaboration with various national and local agencies, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Tax Authority, State Attorney’s Office, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), and other civilian authorities. Hundreds of officers were deployed on Tuesday to Umm el-Fahm, one of the focal points of the operation, where efforts will concentrate on dismantling criminal networks that have been fueling illegal activities.

In recent years, violent crime in the Arab sector has been a growing national concern, with a notable surge in murders. According to reports, there have already been 11 murders in the sector since the start of 2025, a troubling continuation of a trend that saw 230 murders in 2024 alone. This marked a significant increase over previous years.

The Israel Police emphasized that the operation is part of a broader commitment to enhancing personal security and improving the quality of life for all citizens, regardless of their background. They reiterated that the government is taking decisive, uncompromising action against those who break the law and harm others.

The Need for Urgent Action

The rising murder rate in the Arab sector has put immense pressure on authorities. In fact, 2024 saw the highest murder toll in the sector since the state’s founding, more than doubling the number from the previous year. In comparison, the number of murders was significantly lower in prior years, with 116 deaths in 2022 and 126 in 2021.

Despite the severity of the situation, the authorities have struggled to solve a significant portion of these cases. By the end of 2023, only 10.5% of the murders were solved, with 2024 seeing a slight improvement with 14.8% of cases resolved.

The Abraham Initiatives NGO, which monitors violence in Arab communities, pointed out that the lack of resolution in these cases has a damaging effect on the relationship between the state and Arab citizens. The organization noted that when cases of murder or manslaughter go unsolved, it creates a sense of alienation and weakens the trust in authorities. As a result, the likelihood of cooperation with law enforcement decreases, making it more difficult to combat crime effectively.

In light of this, the Israel Police’s current operation is seen as a critical step toward restoring order and rebuilding trust within the Arab communities. Authorities hope that by addressing these issues head-on, they can foster better relationships between law enforcement and the people they are tasked with protecting.