A social media user, identified as "Kumar🇺🇸," recently posted a tweet alleging that the Israeli government facilitates drug trafficking south of Texas's border. The user further claimed that "cartels began putting out hits on Israeli mobsters in 2019," implying a direct or indirect connection between these mobsters and the Israeli government. The tweet concluded with a statement that "The world has to get more volatile."
Investigations into the claims reveal no credible evidence from official sources or reputable news organizations supporting the assertion that the Israeli government is involved in facilitating drug trafficking. Major news outlets and international bodies have not reported any such governmental involvement. The United States and Israel maintain close strategic partnerships, with extensive cooperation on security and intelligence matters.
However, reports from various investigative journalism organizations, including InSight Crime and OCCRP, confirm the significant presence and activities of Israeli organized crime groups in Latin America, particularly in Mexico. These criminal syndicates are known to engage in international drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms dealing, often collaborating with local cartels. These groups operate as independent criminal enterprises and are distinct from the Israeli government, being actively pursued by law enforcement agencies worldwide.
The claim regarding "hits on Israeli mobsters in 2019" aligns with documented events. In July 2019, two Israeli men with alleged ties to organized crime, identified as Ben Sutchi and Alon Azulay, were shot dead in a Mexico City shopping mall. Mexican and Israeli authorities investigated the incident, with reports suggesting the killings stemmed from disputes over money laundering and drug trafficking between rival criminal factions, potentially involving local cartels.
While these incidents highlight the violent nature of transnational organized crime and the involvement of Israeli crime figures in the illicit drug trade, reputable sources consistently emphasize that these are criminal activities and not state-sponsored operations. There is no indication from official investigations or credible reporting that the Israeli government facilitates such activities or that the targeted mobsters were connected to the government.