Police and the National Guard found an explosive-laden drone on Wednesday hidden inside a car in open ground in Segev Shalom, as part of Operation “New Order” in the Tarabin area. The drone carried an explosive charge, ammunition, and a mobile phone believed to have been used as the trigger mechanism.
Police said they believe the device was intended for an immediate killing linked to violent power struggles. Officers noticed a suspicious vehicle during operations in the area, and a search revealed a drone ready for use with explosives attached.
After the discovery, police sealed off the scene. A bomb disposal expert was called in, neutralized the threat, and transferred the findings to the Segev Shalom police station for further investigation.
Segev Shalom station commander Chief Superintendent Eli Cohen said, “Finding a drone carrying weapons and an explosive charge shows the danger to the public and the importance of the operational activity by station officers together with all forces.” He added that Israel Police would keep working “with determination, together with all relevant units and agencies, to locate and thwart weapons and bring those involved to justice, for the safety of residents and the preservation of public order.” The case highlights the growing use of military-style means in criminal violence in southern Israel. Last year, Southern District police found another explosive drone near Tel שבע, also fitted with a military explosive charge and a trigger mechanism. In both cases, investigators believe the devices were meant to carry out assassinations in clan disputes in the Negev, and they are checking whether the explosive charges were stolen from IDF bases.