Illegal residents, weapons, and vehicles worth millions: Police operation in the Negev
A large-scale police operation, 'Derech Irim', took place in Rahat and Tarabin, targeting criminal organizations and economic offenses. Authorities seized weapons, vehicles belonging to debtors, and hundreds of kilograms of spoiled meat.
Weapons, vehicles worth millions of shekels, and hundreds of kilograms of spoiled meat were seized on Wednesday as part of the police operation 'Derech Irim' ('Path of Cities') held in Rahat and Tarabin in the Negev. The operation targeted approximately 150 locations and businesses, involving the seizure of weaponry, the towing of vehicles, and various economic and administrative enforcement procedures.
Under the command of the Israel Police Commissioner, Rav-Nitzav Dani Levy, 10 suspects were detained, including six illegal residents. During the operation, fighters from the Southern National Guard of the Border Police (Magav) and officers from the Rahat station seized two pistols and ammunition.
In addition, more than 40 vehicles belonging to debtors were located, with a total value exceeding 7 million shekels, including four trucks, a trailer, five private vehicles, a commercial vehicle, and a scooter. Authorities also seized about 50,000 liters of fuel deemed unfit for use, along with fuel pumps and storage tanks used by an unlicensed gas station operating without the required permits.
Police reported that dozens of additional vehicles had been towed in the nights preceding the operation. The Tax Authority identified a failure to register receipts at dozens of businesses, and VAT audits conducted at four establishments revealed various deficiencies. The Israel Electric Corporation carried out eight electricity disconnections and identified ten cases of electricity theft.
The Israel Land Authority identified several instances of land encroachment and initiated legal proceedings, while the National Enforcement Authority for Planning and Building opened two files to impose financial sanctions totaling approximately 600,000 shekels. The Ministry of Health issued an immediate closure order for a bakery, and about 620 kilograms of meat unfit for consumption were destroyed at two butcher shops. Additionally, the National Insurance Institute opened two investigation files on suspicion of individuals receiving unemployment benefits while employed. Safety deficiencies were also identified at six businesses, three of which are expected to face financial sanctions.
Approximately 400 Southern District police officers, Border Police National Guard fighters, special police units, and 150 representatives from 26 enforcement and regulatory bodies participated in the operation, including the Tax Authority, the Israel Electric Corporation, the Ministry of Health, the Israel Land Authority, the National Insurance Institute, and the Ministry of Transport.
The police emphasized that the goal of the operation is to strengthen governance and strike a blow at criminal organizations, alongside economic enforcement against tax offenses, electricity theft, and other violations.
Alongside the Commissioner, the operation involved Southern District Commander Nitzav Haim Bublil, Negev District Commander Tat-Nitzav Amir Klein, in cooperation with the Investigations and Intelligence Division headed by Nitzav Boaz Blet, the Staff for Combating Crime in the Arab Society at the Prime Minister's Office, the Shin Bet, and various government ministries.
