Tiberias Court Sentences Tactical Store Owner to 16 Months for Imitation Arms Trafficking
The Tiberias Magistrate's Court sentenced tactical store owner Haron Sabihi to 16 months in prison for trafficking imitation firearms. The judge declared that the era of lenient fines for blank pistols and airsoft guns is over.
The Tiberias Magistrate's Court sentenced Haron Sabihi, the owner of a tactical equipment store in northern Israel, to 16 months in prison on Tuesday. Sabihi was convicted under a plea bargain of trafficking and attempting to traffic imitation firearms, as well as unlawful possession of imitation firearms and weapon parts.
In her ruling, Judge Kathili emphasized the legislative shift regarding imitation firearms, clarifying that the lenient sentencing previously applied to blank pistols and airsoft guns is no longer appropriate given the ease with which these items can be converted into lethal weapons.
"The era of fines for trafficking blank pistols and airsoft guns is over."
Undercover Operation and Raid
The investigation was launched following intelligence received by the Israel Police. Chief Inspector Gal Farkash, head of the investigations and intelligence branch at the Tiberias station, stated that authorities decided to deploy an undercover agent based on this information. According to police, Sabihi continued his operations through word-of-mouth even after closing his previously legal business due to prior law enforcement activity.
The investigation culminated in a raid during which Sabihi was caught presenting a blank pistol to the undercover agent. A subsequent search of the premises uncovered:
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12 bolts
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5 assemblies for long weapons
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40 charging handles
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50 magazines
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2 additional unlicensed blank pistols
Police officials explained that these types of pistols can be easily converted into live firearms by replacing parts, raising significant concerns that they would reach the criminal market and be used in shooting incidents.
Legal Arguments and Sentencing
During sentencing arguments, the prosecution emphasized the severe public safety risks associated with converting imitation weapons into live firearms. Conversely, Sabihi's defense attorney, Advocate Lidawi, argued that the items were purchased long ago and were previously classified merely as "dangerous toys" rather than severe weapon offenses.
Judge Kathili rejected the defense's claims, ruling that Amendment 24 to the Firearms Law fundamentally changed how imitation firearms are treated under the law. She noted that operating without a license is not a technical oversight but a violation of a threshold requirement designed to prevent such items from falling into criminal hands.
While determining the sentence, the judge took into account mitigating factors, including Sabihi's confession, the saving of judicial time, and a letter of appreciation he received for assisting during the war. On the other hand, his record of six prior convictions weighed against him.
The court established a sentencing range of 12 to 30 months and ultimately sentenced Sabihi to 16 months of actual imprisonment, minus time already served in detention. He was also handed an eight-month suspended sentence and a fine of 8,000 shekels.
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