Jerusalem, 1 January, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli security forces have exposed and dismantled a major arms trafficking network in the “Southern Line” affair, police announced. The yearlong covert investigation, targeted dealers who moved weapons from the Judea region to Israel’s south, including the Negev areas of Rahat and Segev Shalom.
Fourteen suspects were arrested, including residents of southern Israel and Palestinians from Hebron-area villages.
Authorites seized M-16 and Arad rifles, a pistol, explosives, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and cash and gold worth about NIS 1.2 million ($380,000). The investigation is ongoing, with additional arrests expected.