Robbery, IDF

SHOCKING: Thieves swipe 18 containers of gear from IDF base

The "Magen HaNege," unit used to combat such thefts, but was suspended when the Oct. 7 war began.

Illustrative: Thief (Photo: Shutterstock / KinoMasterskaya)

Thieves stole 18 containers of military equipment from an IDF infantry training base in the Negev last week, Israeli media reported Monday.

The stolen gear includes rifle ammunition, bulletproof vests, night vision apparatus and special unit equipment.

The theft occurred at Base 906, part of the School for Infantry Corps Professions and Squad Commanders.

Military Police and Israel Police have launched a joint investigation. No arrests have been made.

Experts suspect Bedouin involvement. "Past experience has taught us there's no other direction to look in," said Naomi Kahn, director of the International Division at Regavim, a think tank.

Kahn told JNS that theft from IDF bases is an ongoing issue. Bedouin thieves have previously stolen spent ammunition, target practice equipment and metal from old vehicles

The IDF and police had created a special unit, "Magen HaNegev," to combat the thefts. In 2022, it recovered $39 million worth of stolen military gear. The unit was suspended when the Oct. 7 war began, leading to a resurgence in thefts.

Kahn urges the reinstatement of Magen HaNegev, especially during wartime when weapons are frequently moved for repairs.

Knesset member Yitzhak Kroizer has proposed a bill to hold IDF commanders responsible for weapon thefts from their bases.

"There has to be not only responsibility when theft happens, but authority to stop it," Kahn said. "It's a security threat. Every man, woman and child is endangered by this kind of thing."

The JNS contributed to this article.

Bedouin Bedouins Robbery IDF Israel Police Negev

1 Comments

Do not send comments that include inflammatory words, defamation and content that exceeds the limit of good taste.

The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.
The comment was sent successfully.
Soon the response will be examined by our editors and if it is found to be correct it will be published on the website.
1
Stuff like this has been a problem for many years. Nice to know people are noticing now.
The Jewish Patriarch 17.09.24


Katz reacts to being Gallant's replacement

Israel Katz's first statement as Minister of Defense: "I thank the Prime Minister"
Eliana Fleming | 20:44

Statistics show: Gaza mission (almost) complete

On the way to defeating Hamas: Combat data from Gaza revealed
Eliana Fleming | 18:55

Well, This Was Obvious

Itamar Ben Gvir: Bibi did the right thing firing Gallant
Avi Woolf | 18:21

Another tunnel bites the dust

Tick tick boom: 70 meter terror tunnel destroyed in Lebanon
Eliana Fleming | 18:13

Wait. The IDF needs how many soldiers?!

Gallant: "We will need to recruit the Haredi population on a large scale"
Eliana Fleming | 17:30

What really happened on October 7th?

To uncover the truth: Bereaved families establish the 'October Council'
Eliana Fleming | 17:09

Does the Civilian Population Stay or Go?

IDF: Our aim is to clear all of northern Gaza of terrorists. What comes next?
Avi Woolf | 17:02