Knesset study finds sharp rise in enforcement against illegal weapons in the South

A Knesset study reveals that since 2025 there has been a sharp increase in enforcement activity against arms offenders and extortion gangs in the South, alongside a steep rise in weapons seizures, arrests and indictments. At the same time, the number of arms-related offenses itself has declined. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded to the data, saying, "The war is working."

According to the figures, in less than half a year 163 indictments were filed in the Southern District for arms-related offenses, more than in all of 2022, when only 156 indictments were filed. In 2025, 1,054 weapons and other arms items were seized in the district, compared with 648 in 2022, a rise of more than 62%. At the same time, the number of indictments for arms offenses rose from 156 in 2022 to 225 in 2025, an increase of about 44%, and the number of arrests jumped from 565 to 891.

The increase in the data is continuing this year as well. By June 9, 485 weapons had been seized, compared with 450 in the same period last year, an increase of 8%. The number of indictments jumped 60 percent, from 102 to 163, and the number of arrests rose 35 percent, from 389 to 526.

Police say the figures reflect expanded proactive activity against illegal weapons holders, extortion offenders, weapons dealers and criminal organizations, using high-quality intelligence, targeted operations, proactive raids and increased enforcement in the field. "For 30 years the fight against illegal weapons was neglected and criminals and organized crime were allowed to arm themselves," said Ben Gvir. "We are dealing with that neglect with full force. More weapons are being seized, more criminals are being arrested, more indictments are being filed, and at the same time there are fewer arms offenses. Anyone holding an illegal weapon should know this, the Israel Police is on the way to him."