Ben Gvir Rejects State Audit as ‘Falsified’ While Claiming Major Governance Gains in Negev

National Security Minister Ben Gvir slams State Comptroller’s report on Negev lawlessness, citing a 195% rise in firearm permits and 73% more demolitions.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 28, 2026, 11:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Minister Rejects Findings of Deepening Crisis

The National Security Ministry has launched a vigorous defense against allegations of negligence in southern Israel, characterizing a new State Comptroller report as fundamentally flawed. Following the release of the audit by Matanyahu Englman, which warned of a worsening governance vacuum, Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s office issued a statement labeling the document "twisted and distorted." The Minister accused the Comptroller of presenting falsified data and intentionally ignoring documented progress achieved by the ministry over the past two years. This public disagreement highlights a deepening rift between the state’s primary oversight body and the cabinet members responsible for internal security.

The Armed Citizenry and Rapid Response Strategy

Central to Ben Gvir’s claim of a "revolution" in the Negev is the massive expansion of civilian-led security initiatives. According to ministry data, there has been a 195% surge in the number of legal firearms held by residents in the region, a policy the Minister argues is essential for immediate self-defense against criminal and nationalist threats. Furthermore, the number of localized quick reaction teams has ballooned from just two units to 74 under his tenure. Ben Gvir maintains that these teams, combined with a 13% increase in the total number of police officers stationed in the Southern District, provide a tier of responsiveness that was entirely absent under previous administrations.

Aggressive Enforcement Against Protection Rackets

Addressing the Comptroller’s specific concerns regarding extortion, the National Security Ministry cited a 317% increase in enforcement actions and indictments related to "protection" money. While the audit found that 87% of local contractors are still being targeted by racketeers, Ben Gvir’s office claims the tide is turning, with indictments rising from 36 cases in 2022 to over 150 in the current cycle. The Minister argues that these figures demonstrate a newfound willingness to confront organized crime families that have historically operated with impunity in the Bedouin sectors and industrial zones of the south.