Shin Bet Uncovers Surge in Negev Terror Activity and Foils Beersheba Attacks
The Shin Bet revealed that 72 suspects, mostly Israeli citizens, were arrested in 2026 for terror activities in the Negev, including a planned ISIS-inspired attack in Beersheba.
The Shin Bet revealed concerning data on Thursday regarding a surge in terror activity among residents of the Negev and the south. Since the beginning of 2026, 72 suspects have been arrested, including 67 Israeli citizens with blue ID cards, on suspicion of involvement in terror activity, planning attacks, and weapons smuggling along the borders. Indictments have been filed against approximately 50 of the detainees.
Major Terror Infrastructure Uncovered in Segev Shalom
Among the central cases now revealed is the establishment of a military terror infrastructure in the town of Segev Shalom, inspired by the Palestinian battalion phenomenon in the West Bank. In May and June 2026, five young Israeli citizens, residents of Segev Shalom, were arrested for interrogation by the Shin Bet on suspicion of establishing a local military infrastructure with Palestinian affiliation.
"The cell leader operated for a long period to establish the military battalion inspired by terror organizations in the West Bank and even incited on social media against the State of Israel." — Shin Bet official
Planned Attacks in Beersheba
The suspects agreed to join the battalion and advance various attacks, including a shooting attack against the police station in Segev Shalom and shooting and stabbing attacks at the Central Bus Station in Beersheba. One suspect watched instructional videos on manufacturing explosive devices, another planned to serve as the cell's engineer, and a third planned an independent bombing attack.
In a separate case solved in July 2026, Abdullah Jargawi, a resident of Segev Shalom, was arrested. Interrogation revealed he incited to terror, identified with Hamas and ISIS, and maintained contact with foreign ISIS operatives with the intent of joining combat zones abroad, while planning a high-profile attack at the Forum club in Beersheba. Severe indictments have been filed against all involved in the Beersheba District Court.
