Arson at wastewater treatment plant in the Negev: Police arrest another suspect | First publication

Police have arrested another suspect, a resident of the Bedouin diaspora about 50 years old, in the arson case at the "Shoket" wastewater treatment plant in the Negev. The fire, which broke out between Thursday and Friday in the electrical room, is suspected to be criminal. The incident raises suspicion of a connection to extortion attempts for protection money in the area, after demands for protection money from the corporation were not met.

Police have arrested another suspect, a resident of the Bedouin diaspora about 50 years old, in the arson case at the "Shoket" wastewater treatment plant in the Negev. The fire broke out between Thursday and Friday in the plant's electrical room, allegedly on criminal grounds. Repairing the damage may take several weeks. The incident raises suspicion of a connection to extortion attempts for protection money in the area. According to information that reached sources familiar with the details, attempts have been made recently to demand protection money from the corporation, but the demands were not met and the matter was brought to the attention of the Be'er Sheva police. Following this, according to those sources, the attempts ceased for a certain period, and now there is suspicion they are resuming. The corporation's CEO, Khaled, is accompanied by a close bodyguard due to concerns for his safety. However, at this stage it has not been determined whether the arson is linked to the extortion attempts, and this is being investigated as part of the inquiry.