Three Ashkelon Suspects Held After Loaded Gun Found in Car

A magistrate’s court in Ashkelon on Sunday extended the detention of three Ashkelon residents, all said to be close associates of a major crime boss, until Wednesday. Police found a loaded handgun with a round in the chamber in their car, and investigators believe the men were on their way to carry out a killing.

According to the Southern District’s Lachish Central Unit, the case stemmed from a targeted operation against criminals involved in local feuds in the Ashkelon area. On Thursday, detectives spotted a suspicious vehicle and followed it covertly after noticing what they described as suspicious behavior by its occupants.

When officers asked the driver to stop, the three suspects reportedly tried to flee, but detectives managed to stop the vehicle and arrest them. A search of the car uncovered the loaded gun, along with a helmet, gloves, a change of clothes, and additional equipment.

Unit commander Lt. Cmdr. Shahar Levi said, “This is a targeted and focused operation intended to thwart criminal intent before it is carried out.” He added that Southern District police would continue acting “with determination and professionalism against criminal elements, at any time and in any place, for public safety.” The suspects were taken to the Lachish Central Unit for further questioning before Sunday’s court hearing.