Two men have been accused of running a systematic campaign of threats and intimidation against rivals in the competitive market for supplying food to migrant workers across Israel’s Negev region. According to an indictment, Sami Abu Galbin and his nephew Muhammad allegedly issued repeated threats to business competitors, attempted to drive them out of the area, and physically blocked their access to markets. The prosecution is now seeking their detention throughout the legal proceedings.

The case centres on what authorities describe as a protection racket operating within the informal food supply networks that serve the thousands of foreign workers employed in southern Israel. These workers, primarily from Thailand and Africa, rely on small-scale food suppliers who operate within their communities, making the supply chain a lucrative but closely guarded business sector.

According to court documents, the pair’s alleged intimidation tactics included repeated warnings telling competitors they were forbidden from operating in certain areas, coupled with physical obstruction of their business activities. Such cases highlight the vulnerability of migrant workers in Israel, who often operate within informal economic networks with limited legal protections and oversight.

The prosecution’s request for detention without bail suggests authorities view the allegations as serious and believe there is a risk the suspects could continue intimidating witnesses or competitors if released. The case has drawn attention to labour exploitation issues affecting migrant communities in the Negev, a region that has seen significant growth in its migrant worker population over the past decade.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.