Israel Police statistics from 2017-2021 paint a worrying picture. Criminal activities in the Negev such as theft, violent clashes between Bedouin gangs, and shootings within residential areas, commonly go unpunished. And who suffers most? Yep, it’s the regular, law-abiding residents.

 

Following a Freedom of Information request by "Im Tirtzu", the Police publicized that between 2017 and June 2021, out of 18,302 cases filed, 7,375 were closed within a week. In 2021 alone, 781 out of 1,771 cases were closed by the Police. These cases include, among other things: violent thefts, break-ins, driving without a license, and weapon-related crime. In 77% of cases involving theft, the Police failed to identify the criminals; nothing was done!

 

The Negev is a huge area, spanning over approximately 60% of the State of Israel, where the Police encounter many challenges: drug smuggling, protection payments, reckless driving, illegal construction, polygamy, and more. Over the years, the State has failed to meet those challenges, instead allowing a situation whereby Israelis living in the Negev don’t feel safe or secure.

 

For the sake of all Israeli citizens, we demand that the government formulate a comprehensive, non-negotiable solution to the problem of crime in the Negev.