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Negev, Israel – Israeli authorities have dismantled a significant arms smuggling network operating across the Negev, seizing nearly 40 firearms and arresting nine suspects in a joint operation conducted by the Israel Police and the Shin Bet, the Attorney General’s Office announced.
The network, which smuggled weapons from Jordan into the West Bank, was uncovered following a months-long investigation. During the arrests, security forces confiscated 34 pistols and four long-barrel firearms. Officials described the bust as a major blow to the illicit arms trade fueling criminal and terrorist activities in the region.
Sophisticated Smuggling Operation
Authorities said the smuggling ring had established a “significant infrastructure” for trafficking weapons from the Jordanian border into Israel, with arms later distributed to the West Bank, also known as Judea and Samaria.
All of the suspects detained were from the Negev region, with six hailing from the central Negev town of Bir Hadaj. The remaining individuals were arrested in various locations across the area.
The key figure behind the smuggling operations was identified as Fuaz Altoukhi, 28, a resident of Bir Hadaj. Investigators revealed that Altoukhi recruited and paid accomplices tens of thousands of shekels to facilitate the smuggling process. He allegedly ran the network alongside two other Israeli citizens—a father and son—also from the Negev.
Authorities further uncovered that dozens of weapon parts smuggled from the Jordanian border were sold by another father-son duo residing in the Bedouin diaspora in the West Bank. The weapons were distributed through an intermediary in the West Bank, who has also been charged in the case.
Indictments Filed Against Ten Defendants
On Thursday, the Southern District Attorney’s Office, led by Attorney Assaf Bar Yosef, filed four indictments against ten defendants at the Beersheba District Court.
The indictment detailed how the smuggling network executed its operations, describing it as a “sophisticated and daring” scheme. The smugglers allegedly breached the border fence, creating an opening that allowed for free movement of weapons and other contraband into Israel.
Beyond arms smuggling, the defendants face charges of damaging IDF property, aiding in illegal border crossings, and drug-related offenses.
Rising Security Concerns
This latest crackdown comes amid growing concerns over weapons trafficking into Israel and the West Bank. Security forces have intensified efforts to curb the influx of illegal firearms, which are frequently linked to organized crime and terrorist activities.
Authorities warn that smuggling routes along the Jordanian border continue to pose a security challenge. Recent operations have revealed an increase in attempts to bring arms into Israel, prompting heightened surveillance and enforcement measures.
The successful bust of the Negev smuggling network marks a significant victory for Israeli law enforcement, though officials stress that continued vigilance is necessary to dismantle other illicit operations still in existence.