Israeli Reservist Charged for Illegally Removing M-16 Rifle and Ammunition from IDF Base

The Israeli prosecution has filed charges against two residents of Rahat, including an active reservist soldier, for illegally removing an M-16 assault rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from an IDF base. According to the indictment, 21-year-old reservist Ma'aser Karinawi was authorized to keep the rifle only within the base but took it out and handed it to 20-year-old Fahad Alkarinawi. The two, along with a third suspect, were found in Rahat's Neighborhood 17 with the loaded rifle, eight magazines, and approximately 200 bullets.

Police, conducting a proactive operation in the area, spotted the suspects. Fahad and the third suspect fled on foot, with Fahad discarding the rifle during the chase before being apprehended shortly after. The reservist was arrested inside a vehicle, while the third suspect escaped. The prosecution accuses the two detainees of serious weapons offenses, including carrying a weapon and transporting ammunition without a permit.

This case is part of ongoing law enforcement efforts to prevent the leakage of weapons and ammunition from the IDF into criminal hands. The indictment highlights the severity of unauthorized arms possession and the risks posed by such breaches within military ranks.