IDF Soldier Arrested for Stealing Three M-16 Rifles from Naval Commandos

Three M-16 assault rifles were stolen from soldiers at the naval commando base in Atlit early Tuesday morning, according to an initial report. A soldier serving at the base has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out the theft.

The incident occurred around 3:30 AM, with the weapons taken directly from soldiers. Upon learning of the theft, an immediate investigation was launched, which raised suspicions of involvement from within the base itself. The arrested soldier is currently being questioned jointly by military police and the Israel Police.

Given the severity of the act and the security sensitivity surrounding the potential leakage of weapons from IDF bases, the investigation is being conducted collaboratively by the Military Police Investigation Unit (MPIU) and the Israel Police. Security forces are working to uncover the full circumstances of the case and to locate the stolen weapons.

The IDF stated, "The IDF views any incident of weapons theft very seriously and acts decisively to prevent such incidents in cooperation with the Israel Police." Following the investigation, the findings will be transferred to the Military Advocate General's Corps for review and the potential filing of an indictment.