With three months of intensive efforts to rein in crime in the Arab sector now under their belt, senior Israel Police officials on Tuesday said the organization had succeeded in taking 98 Arab Israeli criminals from three crime organizations in the sector off the streets.
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According to Israel Police data, since the operation's launch in October 2021, 243 suspects have been arrested and indictments have been filed against 98 of the 243 targets.
Hundreds of weapons, including 43 pistols, 31 rifles, and 42 grenades, hundreds of weapons parts, explosives, and ammunition were seized. In addition, over 20 million shekels (around $6.3 million) were seized, including in luxury cars, bank accounts, and cash.
The vast majority of illegal weapons seized by police were located in Arab Israeli communities. They were found in a variety of locations, including in private residences, businesses, inside cars, in hidden locations, on persons' bodies, as well as hidden underground. Over 60 assets were seized, and hundreds of investigations were opened over various offenses.
On Tuesday morning, six suspects were arrested on suspicion of racketeering, fraud, and money laundering.
Senior Israel Police official Dror Asraf said the operation was having a significant impact "on crime on the Arab street and leading to a significant decrease in the volume of violent crimes, racketeering, and shootings."
He noted a change in perception on the Arab street, which he said was cooperating with police and demanding an increased police presence and activity in Arab communities.
"The police have made tackling crime and violence in Arab society a central goal, and the operation data proves we are on the right path," he said. According to Asraf, the operation will continue in the coming months.
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