Massive Weapons Smuggling Network Uncovered in the Negev

In a significant breakthrough, the Israel Police and Shin Bet have dismantled a major arms smuggling network operating in the Negev, seizing nearly 40 firearms and arresting nine individuals. The operation, which targeted a network smuggling weapons from Jordan into the West Bank, has resulted in the recovery of 34 pistols and four long-barrel firearms.

The Attorney General's Office revealed that the network was deeply entrenched in the Negev region, with many of the suspects hailing from the central Negev town of Bir Hadaj. This network was responsible for smuggling weapons across the Jordanian border into Israel and then further distributing them to territories in Judea and Samaria.

Authorities discovered that the smuggling operations, which were carried out in the second half of 2024, involved the use of vehicles crossing from Jordan to Israel, containing large caches of weapons. Fuaz Altoukhi, a 28-year-old from Bir Hadaj, was identified as the leader of the smuggling ring. He allegedly paid tens of thousands of shekels to other members of the network for their involvement.

In addition to smuggling weapons, the operation also uncovered charges of damaging IDF property, aiding illegal border crossings, and drug-related offenses. The network had managed to breach the security fence, allowing for the illegal movement of goods and people across borders.