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Israel Police announced on Sunday the arrest of dozens of individuals linked to the notorious Abu Latif and Hariri crime families, following a coordinated operation carried out with Border Police units. The sweeping crackdown targeted key suspects involved in extortion, protection rackets, and violent criminal activities across northern Israel.
Police said the arrests followed a year-long undercover investigation that sought to curb the influence of these criminal organizations. The operation extended into the West Bank, where several strategic locations connected to the networks were raided simultaneously.
According to the police statement, the investigation was conducted under the leadership of the Northern District Command, in cooperation with the State Attorney’s Office economic department. Undercover agents embedded within the networks collected extensive evidence before the large-scale arrests were executed.
Both the Hariri and Abu Latif families have been considered among Israel’s most dominant and dangerous crime organizations for years. Authorities say these groups have been deeply involved in public tenders, illegal business takeovers, violent intimidation, and a series of shootings.
Police sources noted that the groups have also been linked to several brutal murders in recent years, making the latest arrests a significant step in reducing violent crime. The families’ operations often relied on coercion, strong-arming business owners and contractors into paying protection money.
The Abu Latif family has been under particular scrutiny in recent months. In February, police detained 38 members of the clan in a similar crackdown, leading to 24 indictments related to blackmail and extortion operations.
Among those previously arrested were prominent figures such as Suleiman Abu Latif, the family’s leader, and Nissim Sah, former chairman of soccer club Hapoel Ironi Arraba. Sah is currently serving a 14-year prison sentence after being convicted of killing a police officer and wounding another in 2021.
Police said the latest operation aimed to dismantle the remaining infrastructure of the extortion network. Investigators revealed that the family systematically targeted local contractors and businesses, forcing them to pay for protection or surrender business opportunities.
The Northern District Police Command described the operation as a significant success in the ongoing national battle against organized crime. Officials emphasized that sustained pressure will continue to prevent the crime families from rebuilding their networks.
Security footage and images released from the field show Border Police officers conducting raids in the West Bank city of Jenin on February 23, 2025. Heavily armed officers entered multiple buildings believed to be used by the families for planning and coordination.
Police said more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Authorities believe the evidence collected over the past year will lead to dozens of additional indictments in the coming weeks.
The Justice Ministry praised the operation, calling it a “major blow to the financial and operational capabilities of violent criminal groups.”
Officials stressed the need for ongoing cooperation between police, prosecutors, and local communities to suppress organized crime.
Residents in northern Israel have long reported fear, intimidation, and financial extortion at the hands of these crime networks.
Police hope the sweeping arrests will restore security and reduce the grip of criminal influence in affected towns.
With operations still unfolding, law enforcement leaders say the crackdown marks a crucial turning point in the fight against powerful crime families that have dominated parts of Israel for years.