Hundreds of cops raid Bedouin town with live fire after days of clashes, police say

By Charlie Summers

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29 December 2025, 3:49 pm

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Police raid the Bedouin town of Tarabin al-Sana, in southern Israel, December 28, 2025. (Dudu Greenspan/Flash90)

Police announce that hundreds of officers and Border Police fighters are raiding Tarabin al-Sana, using live gunfire in the southern Bedouin town.

The sweeping raid comes days after four of the town’s residents allegedly set fire to cars in neighboring Jewish areas. Three suspects were arrested within a day of the incident.

The arson was considered “revenge” for previous police operations in the town and prompted a visit yesterday from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who vowed to crack down on crime in the locale.

Now, police say they are working to “fully encircle” the village. Less than an hour ago, dozens of Border Police vans were seen outside a gas station just outside Tarabin al-Sana, in apparent preparation for the incursion.

Meanwhile, army bases in the surrounding region have reportedly upped their defense readiness for “operational reasons,” according to Haaretz.

Police do not elaborate on the precise objective of the operation but say it aims to “strengthen governance, enforce the rule of law and provide a sharp and clear response to any attempt at serious criminal activity.”