Israeli police arrest dozens amid probe into major crime families

The latest probe follows the arrest of 38 members of the Abu Latif clan back in February.

As a result, 24 of those suspects were indicted on charges of using blackmail to secure local government contracts.

These contracts, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of shekels, were spread across major towns including Netanya, Rishon Lezion and Kabul.

Speaking at the time of the arrest, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir promised "zero tolerance for protection offences".

It comes after an internal row between Ben-Gvir and police leadership, with the minister accused of blocking the promotion of Superintendent Rinat Saban over her involvement in Prime Minister Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial.

Saban testified in her role as assistant head of the investigations and intelligence department and, in her statement, suggested that Netanyahu’s conduct during his time as Communications Minister was irregular.

Her claim against Ben-Gvir was backed by Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy, who claimed the decision not to promote her "may sow fear among investigators who testify in criminal investigations".

Ben-Gvir has not publicly responded to the filing, but it was reported in July that he had circulated a letter opposing her promotion.

The letter is understood to have claimed that Saban did not have the proper qualifications for her new role and struggled with "memory issues".

But a police spokesperson said that Saban's case was "thoroughly examined by the Chief Commissioner and a panel of senior police officers… who decided that she is worthy of attending the police command and staff course and [receiving a] promotion".