Israeli Police Seize Large Cache of Weapons in Jerusalem Home During Search for Military Deserter

Israeli police conducted a search in a Jerusalem residence on Thursday targeting a suspected military deserter in his 20s. During the operation, officers discovered a smoke grenade that raised suspicions of additional weapons, prompting the deployment of Border Police dogs and bomb disposal experts from the Jerusalem district.

The search uncovered a significant arsenal hidden throughout the home, including in the children's playroom, the parents' bedroom, and other rooms. Items seized included 36 grenades of various types (18 of which were fragmentation grenades), explosive charges, a Kalashnikov rifle, a hunting rifle, ammunition with linked belts, various scopes, and equipment for assembling explosive devices.

A man in his 50s, identified as the homeowner, was arrested on suspicion of possessing these weapons. His detention was extended by a court until Monday, July 6, 2026, to allow further investigation. Police emphasized the grave danger posed by such weapons stored in residential areas, noting that improper handling or accidental detonation could cause severe damage and loss of life.

Authorities expressed concern over the illegal circulation of military-grade weapons and explosives, which often leak from combat zones or the Israel Defense Forces into civilian hands for criminal or terrorist use. The police urged the public to immediately report any suspicions of weapon caches to emergency number 100 and warned against touching such items, stressing that bomb disposal units should be called to handle them safely.

This operation was carried out by the Moriah police station in the Jerusalem district in cooperation with the military police. The discovery highlights ongoing challenges in preventing the spread of illicit arms within Israeli communities.