Massive Weapons and Drug Smuggling Operation from Jordan Thwarted, Four Arrested
Shin Bet, IDF, and police thwarted a major weapons and drug smuggling operation from Jordan, arresting five individuals linked to the network.
Jerusalem, 4 May, 2026 (TPS-IL) — In a joint operation by the Shin Bet (Israel’s anti-terror General Security Service), the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), and the Israel Police, what was described as a “significant infrastructure of a network of weapons smugglers” from the eastern border of Israel to the Palestinian areas was exposed.
A few months ago, following early intelligence information from the General Security Service, IDF forces identified a drone that crossed from Jordanian territory into the territory of the State of Israel in the. After identification, the drone was intercepted while carrying several pistols.
Also, four Israeli citizens, residents of the Negev, along with another resident of Judea and Samaria, were arrested on suspicion of involvement in a weapons smuggling network. Two of the suspects were arrested in real time during an attempted smuggling operation, in possession of 10 Glock 17 pistols and 10 compatible cartridges.
The suspects are four residents of Negev Bedouin towns, Wahel al-Sara’a, Mada’in al-Sara’a, Zaid Abu Goyad and Ali al-Sara’a, as well as Nassar Negada, a resident of Yatta in Judea and Samaria.
Their interrogation revealed that members of the network were involved in a number of smuggling operations from the Jordanian border using drones, during which they smuggled approximately 44 pistols into Israeli territory and approximately 120 kilograms of a dangerous into Jordan.
An investigation also revealed that some of the smuggled weapons, including M-16 rifles and ammunition, were sold to a resident of Judea and Samaria, and from there they were distributed in the area.
“This is a significant thwarting of an infrastructure whose activities harmed the security of the state. The findings of the investigation indicate the close and dangerous connection between the smuggling of weapons across the borders and terrorist activity that could harm the citizens of the State of Israel,” said the IDF.
