Dozens of suspects have been arrested as law enforcement forces began conducting a broad operation against illegal weapons and drugs across the country, the police announced on Monday morning.
The operation involved hundreds of Israel Police and Border Police officers.
At least 34 suspects were arrested, including 20 significant targets the police were familiar with.
"This is what proactive, aggressive, and determined police looks like," National Securty Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced about the operation.
"Hundreds of police officers and fighters simultaneously raiding dozens of targets and reaching arms and drug dealers - this is exactly the policy we are leading," he said.
"Moving from defense to offense, pursuing crime and not allowing it to raise its head. I commend the Police Commissioner, the commander of Lahav, the Lahav 433 police, the Border Police fighters, and the special units for their professional and determined activity. We will continue to give the police the tools and backing to strike crime with all our might."
Lahav 433 arrests Hariri crime organization leaders
Last Thursday, as part of a targeted operation by Lahav 433’s National Unit for Serious and International Crime Investigations against the Hariri crime organization, two of the organization’s leaders were arrested. A court extended their detention until this coming Tuesday.
The two were arrested on suspicion of possessing weapons and violating an administrative restriction order issued under the Law for the Protection of the Public from Criminal Organizations.
The order imposed several restrictions, including full house arrest, a ban on leaving the country, and a prohibition on contact with members of the crime organization.