M-16 rifle hidden in a kindergarten sandbox in Rahat: local resident arrested

Police officers from the Rahat station and National Guard fighters seized today, Thursday, an M-16 type rifle that was hidden in a sandbox at a kindergarten in the city, alongside dozens of rounds of ammunition and a pistol magazine. A resident of Rahat in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of involvement in shooting and possession of the weapon and ammunition.

As part of the Israel Police's "Iron Net" operation, and in focused activity against the phenomenon of shooting and possession of illegal weaponry in the city, officers from the Rahat station, in cooperation with National Guard fighters, operated to locate weaponry and suspects involved in shooting offenses.

On August 9, a report was received regarding shooting at a vehicle in the city of Rahat. Following the incident, detectives from the Rahat station, in cooperation with National Guard fighters, worked to locate the suspect.

During the activity, the forces raided a residential complex where a kindergarten is located, in the area from which the report of the shooting was received. In a search conducted at the site, an M-16 type rifle, dozens of 9mm caliber rounds of ammunition, and a pistol magazine were located and seized.

Subsequently, a resident of Rahat in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of involvement in carrying out the shooting, as well as on suspicion of offenses related to the possession of a weapon and ammunition.

The police stated that officers of the Southern District will continue to act against the phenomenon of shooting and possession of illegal weaponry, while focusing on those who possess, hide, and use weaponry and endanger public safety.