Israeli organized crime

'Hijacked by criminal gangs': How gangs, weapons took over Israel's Arab streets

ARAB AFFAIRS: Gangs dominate Arab cities, violence has reached new heights, with daily murders and shootings. Fear and anxiety grip residents, with little hope for safety or justice.

MANY ILLEGAL weapons in the Arab community are stolen from Israeli army bases, while others are smuggled from the borders with Jordan and Egypt. Here, illegal weapons are displayed after a police operation against illegal gun dealers, in Nazareth in 2021.
Israeli security forces are seen at the scene where three men were shot dead by assassins in the city of Shefa-Amr, northern Israel, January 7, 2026.

It's time Israel recognizes Arab sector homicides as a national crisis - opinion

Israeli police arrested senior Bakri crime group members and municipal officials in Nazareth overnight in the “Maze of Money” case targeting extortion and money laundering on December 9th, 2025.

Lahav 433, Tax Authority arrest seven for suspected extortion, money laundering, tax fraud

Nidal Abu Latif, who was arrested in a major police operation earlier today, is brought for a court hearing at the Nazareth Magistrate's Court on February 8, 2023.

Prosecutors file intent to indict Abu Latif crime boss, others in ‘Prince’ extortion affair


Senior Israeli mobster arrested in Argentina

The arrest is part of the larger police investigation, termed “Case 1131,” into a number of mob-related murders. Police have filed 15 indictments in the case.

Man in handcuffs - illustrative

Ongoing mob investigation picks up steam as six arrested

Among those arrested were people associated with the crime organization headed by Israeli mobster Ytizhak Abergil who currently sits in prison.

Scene of car bomb in Tel Aviv

14 mobsters suspected in multiple murders arrested

The detainees are suspected of involvement in the assassination of Avi David, shot at point-blank range outside a Bat Yam steakhouse in October 2011, among others.

Police car at crime scene

Controversial Israeli rapper survives assassination attempt

HaTzel is associated with radical right wing groups and has an active social media presence by which he spreads his views, which have been criticized by many as racist and inciting.

Israeli rapper Yoav "HaTzel (The Shadow)" Eliasi

Indictments likely against 3 city leaders

Police recommend charging heads of Ramat Gan, Zichron Yaakov and Hatzor Haglilit.

Handcuffs [Illustrative]

Police chief: We don't want to be like the US, with masses of people in prison

Police chief Alsheich lays out his plan to win back the public's faith in speech to Israel Bar Association.

Police Commissioner Roni Alsheich‏

State witness killed in northern Tel Aviv car bomb

Avner Maio was set to testify against eight members of organized crime family

Scene of car bomb in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv: Burglars indicted for heist of 17th Century manuscripts

The burglars may have gotten away with the botched robbery, had they not made a few key mistakes.

Man in handcuffs - illustrative

Underworld bombing leaves three wounded in Rishon Lezion

The victims include a well-known Netanya underworld figure who survived a number of attempts on his life in the past.

Burnt vehicle in underworld car bombing in Rishon Lezion

Police: Jerusalem man tries to sell his baby for 100,000 shekels

Under questioning the suspect denied actually wanting to sell the baby, and claimed that he was merely in need of money to cover his gambling debts.

Newborn baby [Illustrative]