Authorities Confiscate Firearms, Explosive Device at Bedouin School During Negev Weapons Operation

In a stunning discovery that underscores the urgent threats facing southern Israel, police uncovered a cache of illegal weapons and explosives hidden within the compound of a Bedouin school in the town of Lakiya. The operation is part of a growing campaign by Israeli authorities to dismantle the networks fueling violence and chaos in the Negev region.

The confiscated arsenal included two handguns a Glock and a Taurus both with magazines, as well as a deadly explosive device and a crate of ammunition linked with a 0.5 mm belt. Officers also found M16 magazines and a hydraulic breaching tool, believed to have been stolen from Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service.

These dangerous items were promptly transferred to forensic units for analysis. The Ayarot police station is leading the investigation, with all evidence now under secure custody.

Assistant Commander Shashi Shlomo of the Rotem Subdistrict emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Seizing the weapons and the device on school grounds is a significant step in safeguarding residents and children. We will continue to act with determination and zero tolerance against the crime drivers behind shooting incidents.”

This alarming find is not an isolated event. It follows a series of police crackdowns across the Negev, targeting smuggling operations, arms caches, and organized criminal activity. Authorities say these weapons are often funneled into violent feuds and terror-linked activity, posing immediate danger to civilians including children attending school.

The placement of weapons in a school signals a brazen disregard for innocent lives. It also highlights the critical role of proactive policing in upholding law and order in sensitive regions like the Negev.

Israel continues to invest in the security and protection of all its citizens, from border towns to Bedouin communities. There is no place for weapons of war in schools. The message from Israel’s police is clear: the law will be enforced without compromise, wherever threats to safety are found.

Stand with a nation that places life and security first. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on efforts to protect Israel’s people and uphold the rule of law.