The government gave final approval Wednesday night for the Shin Bet to join the fight against organized crime, allocating approximately NIS 500 million for a combined program with the police, according to a Channel 12 news flash. The move reverses the Shin Bet's past opposition, which warned of a 'slippery slope' and exposure of sensitive technological capabilities.
The government gave final approval tonight at 22:39 Jerusalem for the Shin Bet security service to join the fight against organized crime, allocating approximately NIS 500 million for a combined program with the police, according to a Channel 12 news flash. The government resolution specifies NIS 497 million for a dedicated unit and 130 new positions starting 2026, with a permanent annual budget of NIS 35 million, marking a historic policy shift.
The move culminates a series of reports over the past week. The Zioneer reported on July 7 that the government was expected to approve the budget, following the first-ever allocation of funds to the Shin Bet for combating Arab crime on July 4. The plan was formally presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Social Equality Minister May Golan, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Tonight's final approval reverses the Shin Bet's past opposition, which warned of a "slippery slope" and exposure of sensitive technological capabilities.
The funding is part of broader efforts to combat organized crime in Arab society, diverting funds from previous government plans. The total security allocation reaches NIS 567 million, as The Zioneer reported on July 6. The government had signaled the move in recent days.
The Shin Bet had previously resisted involvement, and its concerns about mission creep and capability exposure remain on record. The agency's implementation of the new role—including the 130 new positions and the permanent budget—has yet to be detailed.
8 developments
- StrongGovernment allocates first-ever funds to Shin Bet for combating Arab crime
- StrongGovernment to approve NIS 500 million for Shin Bet's fight against Arab organized crime
- DevelopingLegal opinion blocks Shin Bet from tackling Arab-Israeli crime surge
- DevelopingOpinion: Fighting crime in Arab communities is no job for the Shin Bet
Source and signal
- Internal intake