The Ongoing War Against Organized Crime in Palestinian Communities
As Israel’s conflict with Gaza and Lebanon continues, a different kind of war is escalating within Palestinian communities inside Israel. Since the start of 2024, over 180 Palestinian citizens in Israel have fallen victim to organized crime, with a concerning rise in explosive attacks. This shift in tactics is directly linked to the influx of weaponry from military operations.
Experts like Dr. Walid Haddad emphasize the correlation between warfare and crime. While government officials pledge action, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The rise of criminal organizations within Arab communities calls for urgent intervention. Local efforts, while essential, are inadequate against the organized crime that plagues these communities. It is the state’s responsibility to combat these groups.
‘The state that must combat them’
Research highlights the alarming murder rates among Palestinians in Israel, placing the burden on the government to address these issues effectively. Civil society can only do so much in the face of organized crime, and the onus lies on the state to take concrete action.