Two IDF soldier indicted in string of weapons thefts from bases, selling rifles

Two soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been indicted for their involvement in a series of weapons thefts from military bases, according to an announcement by the Israel Police.

The soldiers, both residents of northern Israel currently undergoing mandatory service, are accused of multiple weapons offenses, including removing weapons from military authority and engaging in arms trafficking. Police stated that three separate thefts were carried out by the two defendants, along with a third soldier who is a friend of the primary defendant.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the primary defendant allegedly exploited their access to sleeping tents within the battalion to steal three assault rifles. Additionally, a MAG machine gun was reportedly stolen from a military vehicle. The indictment details that three of the stolen weapons were subsequently sold for sums exceeding NIS 100,000 each.

The arrests and subsequent indictments were the result of a joint investigation conducted by officers from the Coastal District Central Unit and the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division. The collaboration aimed to dismantle a network involved in the illicit trade of military-grade weaponry.