Dozens of suspects were arrested in a large-scale police operation in southern Israel on Tuesday morning on suspicion of involvement in protection rackets, extortion, and other crimes.

The arrests were part of an investigation that the Central Unit of the Lachish Police Precinct conducted in recent months together with the Border Police National Guard, as part of the broader police war on organized crime.

During the investigation, law enforcement collected evidence against dozens of suspects, including major Southern District Police targets, who were allegedly involved in collecting protection money, extortion, and other crimes that violated public security and the sense of safety of the residents of southern Israel.

After the investigation became overt, Lachish Central Unit detectives, Border Police National Guardsmen, officers from Israel Police's Sahar Brigade, and additional Southern District forces raided the homes of suspects in Ashdod, Kiryat Gat, and other locations across the country, arresting dozens.

Police Commissioner Danny Levy said: “The Israel Police continues to act decisively against serious and organized crime organizations. We will dismantle protection racket networks throughout the country."

The suspects were transferred for questioning by the Lachish Central Unit and will be brought before the court later today, where police will request that their detention be extended according to the needs of the investigation.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir welcomed the operation: “The extensive raid and dozens of arrests are exactly how we need to act against protection racketeers - go to their homes, arrest them, and dismantle their infrastructure."

“For decades, the phenomenon of protection rackets was neglected, and people were afraid to confront it. We changed course: I passed a law against protection rackets, established protection racket units in the north and south, and set a clear goal: protection rackets = war.

“The results speak for themselves: since 2022, we have doubled the number of cases and indictments. There is still much work to be done. I call on citizens: do not be afraid to file complaints. When people report these crimes, the police can reach the offenders and do their job. The Israel Police is with you - and we will continue to pursue protection racketeers everywhere."