How Ben-Gvir Derailed Israel’s Flagship Program Combating Violence in the Arab-Sector

Youth protection instructors deployed to neighborhoods plagued by violence and vandalism; rapid intervention to halt cycles of family revenge; and a coordinated mechanism linking the community, police and State Attorney’s Office - these were among the key tools of Stop the Bleeding, the anti-crime initiative launched by the Bennett-Lapid government in seven severely affected Arab communities, including Umm al-Fahm, Taibeh, Lod and Rahat. But since taking office, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has forced the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee out of the program, slashed budgets, dismissed staff, and left the initiative without clear leadership. Meanwhile, murder rates continue to soar. In response, Ben-Gvir’s ministry has attempted to shift the blame onto the Finance Ministry. A Shomrim investigation.

October 26, 2025

The Disappearance of Israel’s National Security Council

It is supposed to be the most important political-security body working alongside the prime minister, to coordinate the work of the security cabinet, to present alternatives and to bolster Israel’s strategic decision-making. In practice – and precisely during almost two years of war – the NSC, under the leadership of Tzachi Hanegbi, has become utterly inconsequential. The vacuum is being filled by other functionaries, external organizations and former officials. A special Shomrim report, also published in the N12 Magazine

August 21, 2025

Crisis in Israel’s Social Services: Overloaded, Understaffed, and Burning Out

There’s a crisis in Israel’s social services: every social worker is assigned more than 100 cases, there are thousands of unfilled positions and a new generation of employees is no longer willing to be punching bags – not for their clients and not for the system. Meanwhile, social work faculties are thriving, but most graduates don’t want to work in the traditional social services. Those who do, don’t last long. The Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs, for its part, claims that it has been given 40 million shekels to deal with the problem. A special report

September 2, 2025

Funding Crisis Forces Kohelet to Cut Salaries, Research, and Support for Other Groups

July 21, 2025

Missile‑Proofing Miss: Thousands of Israeli Buildings Still Vulnerable

The indifference of the Planning Administration, opposition from council leaders, insufferable foot-dragging and failed government policies. Two decades after the launch of National Outline Plan (TAMA) 38, which was supposed to ensure that thousands more buildings were equipped with reinforced security rooms, Israel is now paying a price for all of these failings. Even after the Iranian attacks in 2024, nothing changed. The National Planning Headquarters in response: ‘TAMA 38 did not do what it was set up to do’

June 15, 2025

How ‘Habithonistim’ Took Over Israeli Screens, Eerily Echoing Netanyahu’s Messaging

2,255 times since the October 7th attack, Brigadier General (Res.) Amir Avivi has appeared in the media, averaging 150 appearances per month, with hardly any current affairs panel missing him or his colleagues from the “Habithonistim” movement. How did a marginal movement of former security officials become the hottest commodity on screens in Israel, holding about ten meetings with the Prime Minister since the outbreak of the war, receiving a contribution from the Falic family, and attending a prestigious visit to President Trump's estate? Avivi told Shomrim: "We have no political connection to Bibi. We are an apolitical movement." The article is also published in the weekly supplement of TheMarker.

January 24, 2025

Instead of Rebuilding the North, Israel’s Government is Forcing Communities to Fight Among Themselves

The Israeli government has allocated 15 billion shekels to rebuild the north of the country but failed to stipulate who gets what – or when. As a result, the money, which was originally earmarked for evacuated frontline communities and those that sustained the most damage, mayors of most distant towns, like Carmiel, also want a share of the pie. They formed a new forum, which wields a lot of influence within Netanyahu’s Likud party, and it seems likely that they will get their way. A Shomrim investigation, also published in The Marker 

December 30, 2024

Revealed: Israel Agreed to Negotiate with Iran Over Oil Pipeline Compensation

Documents obtained by Shomrim reveal that in 2018 – years after insisting that it would never pay Iran a cent – Israel agreed to negotiate an agreement over the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company. Tehran wants compensation for its investment in the project in the late 1960s, when the two countries were close allies and not bitter enemies. A Shomrim exclusive

December 3, 2024

West Bank Settlements Have No Problem Dismantling Outposts When Convenient

Why is the settlement movement turning against its own "pioneers" by advancing plans to dismantle their outposts and farms? Recent case studies reveal a complex phenomenon shaped by demographic pressures, unfulfilled promises, internal disputes, rising real estate prices, and the pursuit of profit. This investigation by Shomrim delves into the dynamics behind these developments. Also published by TheMarker

November 1, 2024

All But Five of the Israeli Communities on the Gaza Border to Remain Empty for Now

Eight communities are in need of long-term rebuilding; three others have not been cleared because of the security situation and residents of seven more have been told to return home next month – but have no intention of doing so. “The community cannot return to a place it feels less safe than on October 6.” A Shomrim investigation also published on Mako

June 6, 2024

Extended Exodus: Israel's Evacuees Anticipate Months of Internal Displacement, Documents Reveal

Shomrim Exclusive: The Israeli government has extended its contract with hotels, where individuals evacuated from communities along the northern border have been residing, until the end of this year. Additionally, the Mevo’ot Hahermon Regional Council is contemplating relocating six communities further south. Plans are also underway to expand schools in Korazim to accommodate evacuated children for the upcoming school year.

May 12, 2024

No Return to Rosh Hanikra? Internal Document Reveals Israel’s Plan to Put Evacuees in Mobile Homes For Up to Two Years

As per an internal document from the Mateh Asher Regional Council, disclosed here for the first time, residents from five frontline communities - Rosh Hanikra, Betzet, Hanita, Adamit, and Arab al-Aramshe - are anticipated to continue residing in temporary housing for at least another year or two. The document outlines plans to establish 1,500 mobile homes in southern communities, alongside provisions for schools to accommodate the relocated children. A Shomrim exclusive.

April 15, 2024

The Ultra-Orthodox Autonomy: Real Estate Worth Billions and Conglomerates with No Regulation or Transparency

Over 1,000 religious trusts, predominantly within the Haredi community, possess extensive assets including land, buildings, apartments, and stores, valued at a substantial sum. These trusts navigate a complex legal landscape, existing between two legal frameworks: the state judiciary and the religious legal system. A Shomrim investigation delving into the origins of this tension and its implications, notably in relation to the Mount Meron disaster and the judicial overhaul.

May 2, 2024

Stuck in October

Schools in the Upper Galilee are on the brink of halting education services, businesses are shuttering, and a significant portion of the population is contemplating permanent departure. In northern Israel, residents have been left neglected and overlooked since October 7. A Shomrim investigation

March 21, 2024

Hotel Warphobia: The Harsh Reality of War Evacuees in Israel

In the initial weeks of the conflict, the media overflowed with heartwarming narratives spotlighting the altruistic contributions directed towards evacuees. However, as time unfolded within the pressure-cooker environment of temporary lodgings, where communities found themselves uprooted and plagued by an unsettling lack of clarity about the future, even the once-unifying force of donations has metamorphosed into a source of contention. Shomrim's poignant assessment paints a somber picture of the predicament faced by thousands of internal refugees who, paradoxically, during times of conflict, find themselves overshadowed and overlooked.

January 25, 2024

Another Failed Doctrine: The Gaza War Created a Fresh Crisis for Israeli Farmers

In the wake of a substantial volunteer effort to assist in harvesting produce around the Gaza envelope, the conflict with Hamas has underscored the significant dependence of Israeli agriculture on foreign labor. The ongoing war has highlighted the vulnerability of the industry, as the replacement of Thai and Palestinian workers with a fresh cohort may come too late to salvage this year's crop, leading to potential price surges on supermarket shelves. Some view this crisis as an opportunity to rejuvenate and reform Israeli agriculture, advocating for a more substantial import of produce, including from Turkey. This perspective is explored in a Shomrim report.

November 30, 2023

Israel in the Crosshairs: The Jewish-American Group Leading the Anti-Israel Battle in the U.S.

The decision by Columbia University to suspend the activities of Jewish Voice for Peace turned the spotlight onto the anti-Zionist group that plays a key role in demonstrations against Israel. It supports the BDS movement, promotes radical congressional candidates in an effort to cut military aid to Israel and its members participate in demonstrations where the rallying cry is “From the river to the sea.” JVP in response: ‘We condemned and we continue to condemn Hamas’ actions.’ This investigation is also published in Calcalist

November 12, 2023

The Protection Failure: How Millions of Israelis aren’t Safe From Rocket Fire

In Kiryat Shmona, residents are lacking thousands of saferooms. In Ashkelon, the Israeli city that has suffered most from rocket fire from Gaza, a quarter of residents are unprotected. The same is true in Eshkol and in the Galilee. Israel has been under rocket attack for more than a decade, yet half of its citizens are not protected. Shomrim examines government decisions over the years: the money that was allocated and rescinded, the broken promises and the paralyzing bureaucracy.A special report

October 19, 2023

Not Just Kohelet: Exposing the NGOs that Paved the Way for Radical Right-Wing Legislation

It’s happening below the radar and has been for years: non-governmental organizations did the groundwork to advance the agendas of right-wing parties. In some of them, politicians were actively involved in drawing up plans to change the very character of the State of Israel. Members of one group visited a key Knesset committee – chaired by one of its founders – no fewer than 55 times. The fingerprints of another, which is working to turn Israel into a Halakha state, can be found all over the coalition agreements. The list of organizations goes on and on. A Shomrim investigation

August 31, 2023

The West Bank Real Estate Game: Uncovering Subsidies and Land Practices in Settlements

Property buyers in sought-after settlements pay full price, while developers enjoy state-subsidized land in less desirable areas.

August 3, 2023

Shomrim Exclusive: Kohelet’s Fingerprints Are All Over the Expanded Power of the Ministry of National Security

A document written in conjunction with the Shiloh Policy Forum, founded by the Kohelet Policy Forum, includes clauses that are remarkably similar to the demands made by Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich during coalition negotiations. The document was allegedly signed by former top IDF and police officers, but some of them now have reservations. Amos Yadlin claims that he never signed the document, even though his name appears on it. Amos Gilad: I made a mistake. A Shomrim expose in conjunction with TheMarker

January 23, 2023

Kohelet Funded Policy Papers Designed to Help Nir Barkat become Prime Minister

Over the course of around two years, the Forum for National Challenges published five policy papers. According to one insider, the goal of the Forum was to lay the groundwork for Nir Barkat to launch a campaign to become the leader of the Likud party – and then prime minister. Legal experts are divided over whether policy papers can be considered political donations, which must be reported to the State Comptroller. Kohelet in response: We are grateful for the exposure you’re giving our research and activity. A Shomrim exclusive, also published in TheMarker

February 9, 2023

Kohelet’s Tentacles: How the Most Influential Right-Wing Body in Israel Developed a Network of NGOs

From settlements to education, from unions to immigration: the Kohelet Policy Forum, viewed as the most influential right-wing body in Israel, has spread its wings over many NGOs and associations. It funds some of them directly, cooperates with others – and shares many of the same officials. In most cases, the websites of these organizations downplay their connection to the Forum. Kohelet, in response: These are completely independent organizations. A Shomrim exposé

February 2, 2023