Israeli Police Seize Stolen M16 Rifles, Grenades, and Ammunition in Southern Arab Towns

During Operation "Iron Net," Israeli police and Border Police forces conducted searches in the southern Arab towns of Lakiya and Hura. The raids resulted in the seizure of two stolen M16 rifles, dozens of magazines, 19 explosive 40mm grenades, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Five suspects were arrested and taken for interrogation at the Eilot police station.

The operation in Lakiya was launched following shooting incidents in the town the previous day. Police from the Eilot station, the counter-terrorism unit Sahar, and southern Border Police forces found two M16 rifles, 45 magazines, and hundreds of 5.56 caliber bullets. Two Lakiya residents were detained during the search.

In a separate raid in Hura on Thursday, Border Police searched buildings and uncovered 19 explosive grenades, 15 fully loaded M16 magazines, and hundreds of rounds of various ammunition types stolen from the Israel Defense Forces. Overall, five suspects were arrested across the operations.

All weapons and ammunition seized have been transferred for further investigation. The activities are part of Operation "Iron Net," directed by the police commissioner, focusing on combating shootings, illegal weapons possession, and violent crime. The forces aim to locate weapons and prevent escalation in violent conflicts in the region.