From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
New Shin Bet chief: Agency may help fight rising crime in Arab community
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The new head of the Shin Bet security service, Ronen Bar, officially enters office, replacing Nadav Argaman.
Speaking during a ceremony marking the changing of the guard, Bar says the domestic agency could deepen its involvement in fighting crime in the Arab Israeli community.
“Much has been said recently about rising crime in general, and in the Arab community in particular. The service will not stand idly by. After we study the issue, we will present the right balance between our contribution to bolster the police and increasing the involvement of the agency. This is obviously a national mission,” says Bar.
He says the service under his leadership will fight to strike the balance between human rights and the right to security.
The Shin Bet will continue to fight the main threat in the region, says Bar, namely Iran.
“The central threat to peace in the region, the Shiite axis led by Iran, a machine of terrorism, espionage and influence, will continue to be at the heart of the intelligence community’s work and service, including the Shin Bet. By virtue of our position and responsibility, the service will work to thwart this threat wherever it is identified – in Israel, abroad, and in the cyber arena.”
The Times of Israel Community.