Three M-16 Rifles Stolen from Naval Commando Base; Soldier Arrested

Three M-16 rifles were stolen from soldiers at the elite Shayetet 13 naval commando base in Atlit early Tuesday morning. The theft occurred around 3:30 AM directly from personnel on the base, according to reports. An investigation was immediately launched, raising suspicions of an inside job. Consequently, a soldier serving at the base has been arrested and is being questioned in connection with the theft.

The Military Police (MP) and Israel Police are jointly investigating the incident, focusing on understanding the circumstances and locating the stolen weapons. The severity of the case, due to concerns about weapons falling into the wrong hands, has prompted close cooperation between the military and civilian law enforcement agencies. The findings of the investigation are expected to be transferred to the Military Advocate General's Corps for review.

The IDF stated that it "views any incident of weapons theft very seriously and acts decisively to prevent such incidents in cooperation with the Israel Police." The military confirmed the joint investigation with the Israel Police and the transfer of findings to the Military Advocate General's Corps upon its conclusion.