Approximately 500 Israeli police officers carried out coordinated raids at dozens of locations on Monday, November 9, arresting around 50 suspects in a major extortion investigation.

The operation followed a 10-month undercover investigation into criminal networks suspected of demanding millions of shekels from construction contractors and businesses through alleged protection rackets.

Among those arrested was a local council leader in northern Israel, along with individuals suspected of involvement in organized crime.

Police released footage of the raids and arrests as authorities continued investigating the suspected extortion networks.