Israeli authorities arrested 14 people on Thursday for allegedly operating a weapons and illegal funds smuggling network, Ynet reports. The group was reportedly trafficking arms to the southern Bedouin towns of Rahat and Segev Shalom. Gold and 1.2 million shekels in cash, along with explosive devices and ammunition, were recovered. Authorities also discovered stolen IDF equipment and thousands of bullets.
Investigators have been tracking the network for a year and found evidence of weapons and funds being trafficked from the Judea region to Israel’s south, including the Negev.
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Earlier this week, Israeli authorities intercepted a drone from Egypt that was carrying weapons into Israel. The air force’s aerial control center intercepted the drone, which was loaded with 20 M-16 rifles and accessories. The Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) 80th “Edom” Division has stopped 20 drones from smuggling weapons into Israel during the past few weeks.
The IDF’s Southern Command is continuing to adjust and broaden its operations in the area, deploying attack helicopters among other assets, as forces from the Paran Regional Brigade conduct wide-ranging ground activity aimed at reinforcing defenses along the western border.
In November, Defense Minister Israel Katz convened an emergency session with top defense and security officials, including the heads of the IDF, the Shin Bet and the National Security Council. He ordered the military to designate the border area with Egypt as a closed military zone and approved the use of fire against anyone entering the area to assist drone activity or smuggling operations.
“We are declaring war. Anyone who breaches the forbidden area will be attacked,” Katz stated.