The Times of Israel reports that following a fatal car explosion in Ramle, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared his participation in a nocturnal police raid that targeted the Jarushi crime family. Yesterday afternoon’s explosion left nine people injured and four people dead. The truck and the locations hit are allegedly connected to the Jarushis, leading authorities to think that the explosion is related to continuing tensions between the Abu Zaid and Jarushi crime groups.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Ben-Gvir declared that Israeli police are now “going to war” against organized crime in the Arab community, a stance he claims is in response to years of neglect. The raid, which included arrests at sites associated with the Jarushi family and throughout Lod, underscores Ben-Gvir’s hardline approach to addressing crime.
Critics, including many Arab Israeli community leaders, argue that police have historically failed to address the violence and criminal activities prevalent in these communities. They highlight ongoing issues such as family feuds, mafia turf wars, and violence against women, which have persisted despite the heightened rhetoric and promises from officials.
Ben-Gvir, who took office in late 2022, vowed to tackle crime in Arab communities. However, his tenure has seen continued violence, with 109 members of the Arab community reported killed in violent crimes during the first half of 2024, according to the Abraham Initiatives nonprofit. This persistent violence raises questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies.
