Shin Bet files indictments against 50 Negev residents for terrorism-related activity

The Shin Bet announced that since the beginning of 2026, 72 residents of the Negev and southern Israel have been detained for security-related activity endangering state security, with 67 holding Israeli citizenship. Indictments have been filed against approximately 50 of those detained on charges including intent to promote terrorist activity and weapons smuggling across borders. Among the cases, five Negev residents were arrested for establishing a military cell in Segev Shalom inspired by Palestinian battalions in the West Bank. A senior Shin Bet official stated the investigations illustrate the security risk posed by cells of Israeli citizen operatives, some semi-military, seeking to promote terrorist attacks within Israel.