Jerusalem, 8 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Shin Bet security agency said on Thursday that 72 residents of Israel’s Negev and southern region have been arrested for questioning since the beginning of 2026 over suspected security offenses, including plans to advance terrorism and weapons smuggling.
Sixty-seven of those arrested are Israeli citizens, and indictments have been filed against about 50.
Among the cases was an alleged cell of five young Israeli citizens from Segev Shalom who planned to establish a military-style group inspired by Palestinian terror battalions in Judea and Samaria. Investigators said members discussed attacks on a police station in Segev Shalom and Beersheba’s central bus station.
In another case, an Israeli citizen from Shaqib al-Salam allegedly planned an attack at Beersheba’s Forum nightclub while maintaining contacts with ISIS operatives.
A senior Shin Bet official said the investigations demonstrate the security threat posed by Israeli citizens forming terror cells, some semi-military, inside Israel.