By Maj. Gen. (res.) Gershon Hacohen, BESA January 12, 2021
BESA Center Perspectives Paper No. 1,881, January 12, 2021
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The Israeli government is living in denial about the growing violent anarchy in the Negev, the Galilee, and in certain cities. Putting a stop to this phenomenon, which is developing into an existential threat, requires an all-out effort to enhance the power of the military and the police alongside appropriate preparations by the State Attorney’s Office and the legal system to restore sovereignty and governance.
A little over a week ago, cars and trucks of the Lod municipality were burned after an illegal residence was destroyed. Gunfire is heard routinely in that town. In the Galilee and the Negev, business owners and even government companies are submitting to threats of extortion and paying protection money in order to survive. In the Negev there is gunfire day and night, even in the vicinity of communities. Judges are threatened and the police suffer from a chronic lack of manpower.
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