Police Discover Kalashnikov Rifle Hidden in Garden Bed in Nazareth

Police in northern Israel discovered a Kalashnikov assault rifle hidden in a garden bed in Nazareth on Tuesday. The weapon was found during a search of a 23-year-old resident's home, who is suspected of possessing illegal weapons. After searching the house, officers expanded their search to the yard and found the rifle buried in a flower bed.

The suspect was arrested and taken for questioning by the special investigations unit of the Jezreel Valley police. Authorities are expected to request an extension of his detention at the Nazareth Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, based on the ongoing investigation.

The discovery is part of a broader effort by the Northern District Police and Border Police to combat violent crime. Since the beginning of the year, over 610 deadly weapons have been seized by the Northern District Police and Border Police as part of this ongoing struggle. Police also reported arresting armed suspects "red-handed" during recent operations and stated that forces will continue to operate to locate weapons, arrest those involved, and bring them to justice.

"The Israel Police will continue to act with determination in the event of violence and the location of illegal weapons, in order to maintain public safety and bring those involved to justice," the police stated.