Netanyahu orders emergency plan to counter armed Bedouin groups in Negev

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Shin Bet security agency to develop an emergency plan and a comprehensive intelligence report to address the rise of armed Bedouin groups in the Negev region. This directive follows warnings from Shin Bet Director David Zini regarding the emergence of military-style units and paramilitary organizations within certain Bedouin communities.

Security officials expressed concern that these groups possess significant arsenals, including heavy machine guns and missiles. There are reports of suspected connections between these emerging networks and terrorist organizations such as Hamas and ISIS. Officials noted that weapons used by organized crime could potentially be redirected against the state.

Legislative efforts are also underway, with some officials proposing a national task force integrated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to operate within the Bedouin sector and confiscate existing illegal arsenals. Netanyahu is expected to convene a special meeting to discuss the matter in the coming days.