Nineteen suspects were arrested in recent days during police operations across multiple locations in southern Israel on suspicion of shootings, violence, stone-throwing and illegal weapons possession. During the operations, police seized two M-16 assault rifles, handguns, dozens of magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Near Route 80, following a report of gunfire, officers from the Arad station conducted a targeted search and located an M-16 assault rifle.
In the Aroer area, officers worked alongside additional forces against blood feuds and shooting incidents. During the operation, 16 suspects were arrested on suspicion of involvement in shootings, violence and stone-throwing. In another search, conducted based on intelligence, an M-16 rifle was found hidden in a residential compound in the town, along with magazines.

In additional operations, officers conducted searches at several targets, seizing Glock and FN handguns, magazines, and ammunition. Among the items seized were 14 boxes of 5.56mm ammunition, 12 M-16 magazines and a MAG machine gun belt in 7.62mm caliber. Three suspects were arrested.
In total, 19 Muslim suspects were arrested during the operations, and police seized weapons, magazines, and a large quantity of ammunition.

Rotem District Commander Chief Superintendent Shashi Shlomo said forces will continue to act against criminals, shooting incidents, and illegal weapons holders to prevent violent incidents and strengthen residents’ security.
