Illegal Negev camel race intercepted by Southern District Police
Camel races, though a longstanding tradition in Bedouin communities, are often accompanied by other crimes when organized illegally.
An illegal camel race in Israel's Negev was thwarted by Southern District Police on Friday, Israel Police reported. Intelligence had suggested preparations for the race were underway at a firing range near Route 222 in Bir Hadaj, a Bedouin agricultural town. Upon arrival, police spotted vehicles, carts, and participants at the site.
Shagiv Shalom station officers, along with Yoav unit, Border Police, and Southern District National Guard members, conducted a raid with air unit assistance. Two minors attempting to flee were detained for questioning, and a camel was seized near the individuals. Camel racing, a tradition in Middle Eastern Bedouin communities, was held in the Negev for the first time legally in 2024, drawing thousands of spectators.
The Israel Police's Southern District promoted and organized the event to combat illegal races linked to other criminal activities, such as shootings and animal cruelty. Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli noted that the first legal race symbolized Bedouin culture's uniqueness and strengthened governance and integration of Bedouin society into Israel.
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