British News Agency

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that the wave of violence and crime in Arab society constitutes a national, social, and moral emergency, stressing that all security and law enforcement agencies, including the Shin Bet, should be involved in the fight against criminal organizations without hesitation.

Describing the current level of violence as unacceptable, Herzog said: “At the graduation ceremony of the first class of the Imams' Training Program to Combat Violence and Crime in Arab Society, held at the Open University, I stated clearly: The State of Israel has the responsibility and duty to provide equal personal security to all its citizens.”

Listing the decisive steps needed to combat crime, President Herzog called for: “We must mobilize all security and law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal organizations, fight extortion decisively, combat illegal weapons, ensure an effective police presence, promote the necessary legislation, and involve the Shin Bet in this campaign without reservation.”

Highlighting the role of religious leaders in social transformation and thanking the institutions involved in the project, Herzog stressed that the solution requires a collective effort.