1+Israeli police have received orders to deploy snipers on rooftops in crime hotspots across mixed cities and Arab communities, a dramatic escalation in the fight against organized crime that began in Bedouin areas about a year ago and is now expanding nationwide.
Under the plan, snipers will be stationed at strategic points in cities like Ramla and Lod, as well as additional locations in the north and south. The goal: boost police operational capability, thwart shootings and assassination attempts in real time, and deter criminals before they strike.
Police are calling the move a significant and exceptional step designed to confront violent conflicts between crime organizations and families, giving forces on the ground faster and more precise response capability during shooting incidents.
1+Channel 14 has learned the directive came out of a series of security discussions held last week on combating crime and the murder wave in Arab society. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Police Commissioner Danny Levy attended the meetings. In some locations, initial implementation of the directive has already begun as an operational pilot, with snipers already deployed in several areas as part of police deployment on the ground.