First Bedouin undercover operative, 'Nomad,' instrumental in major crime bust

Dozens of suspects were arrested across Israel in a large-scale operation targeting illegal weapons and drug trafficking, marking the overt phase of 'Operation Nomad.' The success of this extensive undercover investigation hinged on "The Nomad," the first Bedouin undercover agent to work with Israel's Lahav 433 crime-fighting unit.

“

deploying an undercover agent deep within criminal networks enabled us to gather significant evidence, expose an extensive criminal infrastructure, and deliver a substantial blow to illegal firearms and drug traffickers operating across the country.

During his undercover assignment, "The Nomad" was involved in numerous arms and drug deals, successfully purchasing four illegal M-16 rifles, dozens of handguns, and approximately 500 grams of cocaine. His work provided law enforcement with intelligence and evidence that had been previously difficult to obtain, allowing them to trace illicit transactions.

Lahav 433 commander, Deputy Commissioner Meni Binyamin, stated that the deployment of an undercover agent deep within criminal networks was instrumental in gathering significant evidence. This enabled the exposure of an extensive criminal infrastructure and delivered a substantial blow to illegal firearms and drug traffickers operating nationwide.

“

Operation Nomad once again demonstrates that there is no place where criminals can consider themselves beyond the reach of the Israel Police.

The covert phase of Operation "Nomad" concluded with hundreds of Israeli military and law enforcement officials raiding dozens of locations across Israel, including Rahat, Tel Sheva, Bir Hadaj, Arad, Dimona, Eilat, and east Jerusalem. The operation led to the arrest of dozens, including 20 key figures in Israeli organized crime.

“

The undercover operation, together with the professional work of Lahav 433 investigators, operational units, and our partner agencies, led to the exposure of dozens of suspects and the disruption of illegal firearms and drug transactions that could have cost lives.

Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy affirmed that Operation Nomad "once again demonstrates that there is no place where criminals can consider themselves beyond the reach of the Israel Police." He added that the operation, combined with the work of Lahav 433 investigators and partner agencies, led to the exposure of dozens of suspects and the disruption of illegal firearms and drug transactions that could have endangered lives. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the operation as an example of "proactive, aggressive, and determined police" work, emphasizing a shift from defense to offense in pursuing crime.

“

This is what proactive, aggressive, and determined police looks like. 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. Moving from defense to offense, pursuing crime and not allowing it to rear its head. I commend the Police Commissioner, the