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An Israeli soldier was robbed of his weapon after falling asleep on a bus in the Upper Galilee region on Friday, N12 reported early Saturday. The soldier awoke to find his firearm missing and immediately alerted the bus driver.
According to the report, the driver confirmed seeing a man carrying a weapon exit the bus, which helped authorities identify the suspect. Police later tracked the individual, a resident of Maghar, as he walked through the city with the stolen gun.
Officers recovered the weapon after a search, finding it hidden, and detained the man. Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect had any prior criminal record or connections to militant groups.
The incident occurred on the same morning as a separate series of violent attacks in Israel, which left 68-year-old Shimshon Mordechai and 18-year-old Aviv Maor dead. The attacks, carried out by a Palestinian assailant, prompted an immediate response from Israeli security forces.
Security personnel swiftly neutralized the attacker, who had moved across several locations near the city of Afula, according to reports. The string of incidents has drawn renewed attention to public safety and the readiness of military personnel.
Falling asleep on duty has emerged as a concerning trend among soldiers in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, an IDF soldier was left behind during an operation near Kabatiya, a Palestinian town just south of Jenin in the northern West Bank.
The soldier was reportedly asleep when separated from his unit and remained alone for approximately 40 minutes before rejoining a different IDF team. Military officials said the incident prompted internal reviews on operational protocols and troop readiness.
Military experts warn that even brief lapses in alertness can have severe consequences. “Soldiers must remain vigilant at all times, especially in regions with heightened security risks,” one official noted.
The Upper Galilee incident has raised concerns over the safety of soldiers while using public transport. While IDF personnel are trained to handle weapons responsibly, incidents like this highlight vulnerabilities outside controlled military environments.
Israeli authorities have called on the public to remain alert and report suspicious activity, particularly in areas with high civilian traffic. Police are also reviewing measures to ensure the secure transport of weapons by soldiers outside their bases.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed that an investigation into the Upper Galilee theft is ongoing, with officials examining both procedural lapses and possible security oversights. The IDF has also pledged to reinforce training on situational awareness and weapon safety.
Residents of Maghar expressed shock at the theft, noting that incidents involving firearms in public spaces are rare. Local police said they are committed to preventing similar incidents and maintaining public trust in law enforcement.
This episode comes amid heightened tensions in northern Israel, where security forces continue to respond to sporadic attacks and other threats. Analysts say these events underscore the need for both military vigilance and effective community policing.
The soldier involved has reportedly returned to duty, though the incident has prompted a review of rest periods and operational protocols during transportation. Authorities emphasize that such incidents remain isolated but warrant stricter preventive measures.
Officials are urging IDF personnel to maintain constant awareness, particularly when commuting or interacting with civilians, to prevent further breaches of security. “Even a moment of inattention can endanger both soldiers and the public,” one military spokesperson said.
As investigations continue, authorities are balancing immediate operational security with long-term strategies to reduce risks associated with fatigue, public transport, and weapon handling among troops.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members