Police near base
Photo: Tzafrir Abayov
IDF weapons theft cracked
Grenade launchers and M-16 rifles stolen from an IDF base three months ago; police, army investigators detain suspects, recover some weapons
IDF and police investigators working jointly have solved a case involving the theft of 40 weapons from an IDF base three months ago.
During the investigation, an undercover agent purchased the weapons from the thieves, among them IDF soldiers who provided them with information on the weapons.
Overall, five suspects were detained in connection with the case and some of the weapons have been recovered.
Several weeks ago, investigators received information that criminals in the south of the country are in possession of the stolen arms. Police did not arrest the suspects due to lack of evidence, but were later able to recruit an informer after he was nabbed during a robbery.
In recent weeks, the undercover agent met with the criminals and was able to purchase 11 weapons, including grenade launchers, on three separate occasions.
32 assault rifles stolen
The base in question serves as a logistical support unit for the Central Command, and contains large storages of equipment for emergencies. Among others, large quantities of weapons and ammunition are stores on the base.
The warehouse from which the weapons were stolen is not regularly guarded.
The weapons stolen included eight grenade launchers and 32 assault rifles.
The theft has been characterized as "one of the most severe in the IDF's history" by military sources. The base in question is home to several large warehouses containing equipment for emergency cases, including a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.
Eli Senyor contributed to this report
