Reserve Soldier Charged with Smuggling M-16 Rifle to Masked Men in Rahat

A serious security incident unfolded in Rahat where an active reserve soldier was charged with illegally removing an M-16 rifle from his military base and handing it over to masked individuals. The soldier was apprehended inside a vehicle in Rahat's Neighborhood 17, where two masked men, including 20-year-old Fahad Al-Krinawi, were waiting outside holding the weapon. Police forces on site discovered the loaded rifle along with seven magazines and approximately 170 bullets.

During the arrest, Fahad attempted to flee while discarding the weapon but was caught, whereas a third suspect managed to escape. The two detainees face charges related to carrying weapons and transporting ammunition without a permit. This case highlights ongoing challenges in combating illegal arms possession, as discussed in a recent Knesset committee meeting addressing enforcement failures and sentencing issues.

The meeting, held last month, was marked by the absence of key officials such as the acting Director-General of the Prime Minister's Office and the Government Secretary. A State Comptroller report had previously identified significant shortcomings in handling illegal weapons, prompting the committee's focus on this matter.