Israeli Police Uncover Weapons Cache and Arrest Illegal Residents in Intense Southern Operation

As part of Operation "Iron Net," large forces from the National Guard Southern District, Border Police, and Southern District police conducted extensive raids in the southern city of Rahat and surrounding areas last week. The operation, initiated by the Israeli Police Commissioner to combat crime and restore order, led to several significant discoveries and arrests.

During a patrol near the village of Tarabin, officers found an abandoned ATV with a warm engine, later identified as stolen from the city of Ofakim. The vehicle was returned to its owner. Nearby, the forces uncovered a weapons cache buried in an open area containing 5.56mm ammunition and two detonators.

In another tense incident on Road 310, police spotted a rider driving an ATV recklessly without a helmet. When ordered to stop, the suspect fled, prompting officers to shoot at the vehicle’s tires. The suspect, a 34-year-old resident of Lakia, abandoned the ATV and was apprehended on foot and taken for further investigation.

The operation also targeted illegal residency and public order offenses, resulting in the arrest of 12 illegal residents. During a patrol inside Rahat, a suspect threw a stone at a police vehicle and was immediately arrested. All seized items and evidence have been forwarded for forensic and investigative processing to identify additional suspects and ensure legal accountability.

Police footage released shows officers conducting thorough searches, including breaking into secured buildings, inspecting air vents, and digging in dry soil to uncover hidden weapons and ammunition. The operation extended into the night with roadblocks, vehicle inspections, and multiple arrests, demonstrating a focused effort to suppress crime in the region.