A violent clash between rival Arab clans erupted in the Israeli city of Ofakim on February 8, 2026, turning public streets into scenes of chaos and prompting a swift police response. Raw video footage circulating online shows pickup trucks attempting to ram opposing groups, individuals wielding chainsaws while chasing vehicles, and crowds hurling stones amid frantic pursuits through the area. The scenes drew comparisons to a lawless “Wild West” atmosphere as the confrontation spiraled out of control.

According to Israeli police, the incident stemmed from an ongoing feud between families and unfolded near a construction site. Officers were dispatched to the scene to restore order and prevent further escalation. Authorities confirmed that two individuals were arrested in connection with the violence and stated that, despite the intensity of the clashes, no serious injuries were reported.

The footage, later covered by Israeli media, highlights the growing challenge posed by intra-communal disputes that increasingly spill into public spaces, endangering bystanders and disrupting daily life. The use of vehicles as weapons and tools such as chainsaws underscored the extreme nature of the confrontation and raised renewed concerns over public safety and law enforcement capacity to deter such outbreaks.

Officials emphasized that investigations are ongoing and warned that those involved will face serious consequences. The Ofakim incident has renewed calls for stronger enforcement and preventative measures to address escalating clan violence, which critics argue has become more brazen and dangerous in recent years. For residents, the sudden eruption of violence served as a stark reminder of how quickly localized disputes can transform into major public security incidents.