New Shin Bet head said to back bill that would categorize mob organizations as terror groups

Newly appointed Shin Bet chief David Zini is expected to back proposed legislation to label certain criminal organizations as terror groups, in an effort to combat spiraling crime in Arab society, Hebrew outlets report.

The Shin Bet has not responded to a request for comment regarding the reports.

The move earns praise from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who calls it the “important and correct step to take at this moment” and lauds Zini, who took the security agency’s reins last month.

“There is a Shin Bet chief in Israel!!! I’m proud that the head of the Shin Bet is bringing a new outlook and has adopted my position and the bill proposed by my party member, MK Zvika Fogel,” Ben Gvir says.

The far-right politician says Zini brings a “good and fresh perspective to the organization, unlike his predecessor” — taking a jab at ex-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, who was forced out of his role by the government earlier this year.

The move to define criminal organizations as terror groups was initially endorsed in May by the Prime Minister’s Office, but the idea remained vague and ill-defined.

Fogel’s bill lays out a clear course of action which would — in “severe and exceptional cases” — allow the national security minister to define certain criminal organizations as terrorist organizations, with the defense minister’s approval.

A criminal organization would be liable to be declared a terrorist organization if it meets just one of four criteria: making systematic use of firearms; operating in an organized manner to threaten government institutions, public authorities or elected officials; repeatedly using coercion and extortion against the public; or collaborating with a terrorist organization.

In practice, the bill would allow police and Shin Bet to use enforcement and investigative methods outlined in Israel’s Counter-Terrorism Law.