M-16 rifle hidden in sandbox at Rahat kindergarten: city resident arrested

Police officers from the Rahat station and National Guard fighters seized an M-16 rifle hidden in a sandbox at a kindergarten in the city, along with dozens of bullets and a pistol magazine. A Rahat resident in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of involvement in shooting and possession of the weapon and ammunition. The operation was carried out as part of "Iron Net" operation against the phenomenon of shooting and illegal possession of weapons in the city.

Police officers from the Rahat station and National Guard fighters seized today (Thursday) an M-16 rifle hidden in a sandbox at a kindergarten in the city, along with dozens of 9mm bullets and a pistol magazine. A Rahat resident in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of involvement in shooting and possession of the weapon and ammunition. The operation was carried out as part of the Israel Police's "Iron Net" operation, which aims to combat the phenomenon of shooting and illegal possession of weapons in the city. On August 9, a report was received about shooting at a vehicle in Rahat, and following that, station detectives operated in cooperation with the National Guard to locate the suspect. During the operation, forces raided a residential compound where a kindergarten is located, in the area from which the shooting report was received. During a search conducted at the scene, the weapon, ammunition, and magazine were located and seized. Subsequently, the suspect was arrested. The police stated that officers of the Southern District will continue to act against the phenomenon, focusing on holders, concealers, and users of weapons that endanger public safety.