Published: 5 September 2023
Last updated: 5 March 2024
Footage of the races shows dozens of camels, trucks and all-terrain vehicles crossing army zone at high speed
Seven men were arrested during a police operation on Friday on suspicion of taking part in illegal camel races in an Israel Defence Forces firing zone in the Negev desert, a police statement said.
The statement also said that during the operation, 117 camels in Bedouin villages were inspected. Police seized eight of them on suspicion that their owners used them unlawfully. The Bedouin men arrested are suspected of illegally organizing gambling and violating animal protection laws.
Furthermore, police confiscated two tractors and issued 14 traffic tickets to drivers who participated in the race.
The race featured dozens of camels, trucks and all-terrain vehicles crossing the base’s firing zone at high speed with many participants firing automatic weapons in the air.
Residents of southern Israel complain that the race is another example of the lawlessness in the Negev region.
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Seven Bedouin arrested for involvement in illegal camel races in IDF firing zone (Times of Israel)
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Photo: Screen capture of the camel race.
