Major Crackdown on Hariri Crime Organization in Israel

On Monday, April 13, 2026, Israeli police conducted a significant operation resulting in the arrest of 12 members of the Hariri crime organization, including a senior figure known as “The Arbitrator” or HaBorer. This operation was part of a month-long undercover investigation targeting extortion activities involving millions of shekels from Palestinian residents in Judea and Samaria. The raids took place in several locations, including Umm al-Fahm, Taybeh, Kafr Qasim, and Nablus, where police confiscated weapons, drugs, cash exceeding NIS 80,000 (approximately $26,000), and vehicles.

The Jerusalem PostIsrael Police arrests senior crime figure known as ‘The Arbitrator’ in major crime ring crackdown

The Hariri crime organization is recognized as one of the largest crime syndicates in Israel, involved in a range of criminal activities such as extortion, violence, and even murder. The group's operations have raised concerns regarding their potential collaboration with terrorist organizations, prompting law enforcement to intensify their efforts against organized crime in the region. The police have previously targeted the Hariri organization, including a raid in December 2025, following a year-long investigation.

The Jerusalem Post

Judea and Samaria District Commander Moshe Pinchi emphasized the importance of combating organized crime, stating, “We will not allow crime organizations to establish a foothold in the West Bank as a refuge or base for criminal and terror activity.” He highlighted the police's commitment to severing connections between crime and terrorism, aiming to ensure the security of Israeli citizens.

Israel Police arrests senior crime figure known as ‘The Arbitrator’ in major crime ring crackdownThe Jerusalem Post

The operation has drawn attention to the complexities of policing organized crime within Palestinian territories. Some critics argue that the focus on Arab crime organizations may exacerbate tensions between communities. Journalist Simon Sherman noted that the Hariri organization and similar groups have evolved into structured hierarchies that provide a parallel justice system, which could complicate law enforcement efforts.

Israel Police arrests senior crime figure known as ‘The Arbitrator’ in major crime ring crackdown

While the police reported the arrests and the confiscation of various items, details regarding the extent of the Hariri organization's operations and its connections to terrorist groups remain unclear. There is also a lack of comprehensive data on the impact of these arrests on the broader crime landscape in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The Jerusalem Post

Following this crackdown, Israeli authorities are expected to continue their investigations into the Hariri organization and similar crime groups. The police aim to further disrupt the networks that facilitate the flow of weapons and funds between organized crime and terrorism, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining security in the region.

The Jerusalem Post

• “We will not allow crime organizations to cooperate with terrorist groups, establish a foothold in Judea and Samaria as safe havens or operational bases for exporting criminal and security-related terror.” — Moshe Pinchi, Judea and Samaria District Commander

The Jerusalem Post

• “Sherman also noted that “a major influx of military-grade weapons further props up the criminal system.” — Simon Sherman, Journalist

Israel Police arrests senior crime figure known as ‘The Arbitrator’ in major crime ring crackdown