Illegal Negev camel race intercepted by Southern District Police

Southern District Police prevented an illegal camel race set to take place in a firing range near Bir Hadaj in the Negev. Officers raided the site, detained two minors, and seized a camel. The operation followed intelligence indicating preparations for the race, which police say is often accompanied by other crimes.

Southern District Police prevented an illegal camel race that was set to take place in a firing range near Bir Hadaj, a Bedouin agricultural town in the Negev, on Friday, September 25, 2026. Officers from the Shagiv Shalom station, along with fighters from the Yoav unit, Border Police, and the National Guard, raided the site with air unit support after intelligence indicated preparations were underway. Two minors attempting to flee were detained. Police also seized a camel found near the individuals. The article notes that while camel racing is a tradition in Bedouin communities, illegal races are often accompanied by other crimes such as shooting incidents and animal cruelty. The first legal camel race was held in the Negev in 2024, organized by the Israel Police to encourage lawfulness.