Treat weapons smuggling for what it is: Terrorism – opinion

Amir Strugo, a former IDF officer and B'Yachad candidate, argues that weapons smuggling into Israel is a terror threat, not just crime. He cites 46 murders in the South in 2025, a 119% increase from the Bennett era, and proposes a plan including Shin Bet involvement, financial enforcement, and social measures in Bedouin communities.

Amir Strugo, a former IDF combat officer and B'Yachad candidate for the Knesset, writes an opinion piece arguing that weapons smuggling into Israel must be reclassified as terrorism, not merely a criminal issue. He describes the daily reality of gunfire in the Negev, affecting thousands of children, and links it to a broader loss of government control. Strugo cites statistics: 46 murders in the South in 2025, a 119% increase compared to the period under Naftali Bennett's government. He proposes a two-pronged approach: first, officially recognizing smuggling as a terror threat and involving the Shin Bet; second, implementing a detailed action plan with regional experts. The plan includes financial enforcement, ending protection rackets, doubling police presence, strict sentences, cracking down on illegal construction, and investing in recognized communities. He also advocates for social measures in Bedouin communities, such as aligning education with Israeli standards, eradicating polygamy, incentivizing Hebrew studies, and providing pre-army programs. Strugo frames this as a 'sticks and carrots' approach, offering incentives for law-abiding citizens and uncompromising enforcement for criminals. He concludes by stating he will measure the next government's success on metrics like reduced weapons circulation, lower crime rates, and safer roads.