Hundreds of Israeli police officers stormed the town of al-Turabin in the Negev region earlier today, imposing a complete security cordon. This action follows Palestinian protests triggered by a provocative visit to the town by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Ben-Gvir’s visit on Sunday was described as a deliberate provocation, leading to clashes between residents and police, including stone-throwing. Police responded with tear gas. Video footage reportedly showed Ben-Gvir being rushed away under a hail of stones.
In a statement, Israeli police said that hundreds of officers were involved in “imposing a complete cordon on the village of al-Turabin as part of a large-scale operation.” They claimed the move was intended to “strengthen law and order” following Ben-Gvir and Police Inspector General Danny Levy’s “system enforcement tour.”
Local and human rights leaders have accused Israeli authorities of enacting collective punishment against the town’s residents. Taleb al-Sana, head of the High Steering Committee for Arabs of the Negev, stated that the events in al-Turabin are part of an “electoral and retaliatory exploitation” led by Ben-Gvir to incite against Palestinians in the Negev.
Al-Sana added that authorities are justifying arrests by claiming to respond to settler attacks, while the reality is a “frenzied campaign against the residents.” He described Ben-Gvir as a “minister of gangs,” noting his failure to achieve security.
Local sources report that al-Turabin has been under siege for two days, with widespread closures and raids, including the storming of homes and tents, and arrests. Residents describe these actions as “revenge” for their resistance to settler attacks in the area. Dozens of police officers and “Saher” unit forces are reportedly involved, allegedly pursuing “suspects involved in violent events and the use of military weaponry.”
DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
