Jerusalem, 31 December, 2025 (TPS-IL) — Five vehicles were set ablaze overnight in the southern Israeli town of Lehavim in what Police are investigating as a retaliatory arson attack linked to escalating tensions in nearby Bedouin communities of the Negev. The flames, which engulfed cars parked at a gas station near the town’s entrance, were extinguished by fire crews early Wednesday, and no injuries were reported.
Authorities described the attack as a “price tag” operation — a term usually associated with retaliatory acts by Israeli settlers but increasingly applied to incidents involving Bedouin residents seeking revenge for Police actions. “The rules have changed,” a senior Police official said. “They don’t understand that they won’t scare us. We will intensify the measures.” Another official added, “The Shin Bet must get involved.”
The Lehavim blaze comes just days after a large-scale Police operation was launched in the nearby Bedouin town of Tarabin al-Sana, following a series of violent clashes between law enforcement and residents. Hundreds of officers have been deployed to Tarabin in a crackdown on rising organized crime activity and weapons trafficking.
During the Tarabin operation, police established roadblocks around the town and arrested at least 27 people, including four minors. The raids followed weekend unrest in which masked residents from Tarabin allegedly vandalized vehicles in the Jewish communities of Giv’ot Bar and Mishmar Hanegev. At least two cars were set on fire and dozens more damaged, apparently in retaliation for prior police activity.
“The activity is being carried out with the aim of enforcing the rule of law,” police said in a statement at the time, “and responding decisively to any attempt at serious criminal activity.” Officials characterized the Lehavim arson as a continuation of this cycle of revenge.
Firefighters who responded to the scene said they received the emergency call at 1:48 a.m. “Upon arrival, teams identified five burning vehicles and acted quickly to extinguish the fires,” a fire service spokesperson said. “We isolated energy sources and conducted a thorough search to prevent the flames from spreading. Fortunately, there were no injuries.”
While the Lehavim fire did not result in casualties, officials warn that the confrontation could escalate further if retaliation continues. “We will intensify the measures,” the senior police official reiterated. “We are committed to maintaining security and will respond decisively to any acts of revenge.”
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