Joint Enforcement Operation

IDF Grenades Seized in Forest Cache

Prison Service and police forces raided Lahav Forest, uncovering six military grenades and stolen IDF equipment including a backpack and helmet in coordinated enforcement operation

Gila Isaacson

SEP 16, 2026 14:35

2 min read

Prison Service investigators and police from the Southern District's Towns Station conducted a targeted search operation in Lahav Forest, uncovering a cache of military weapons and equipment suspected of being stolen from the IDF.

The joint operation, carried out Tuesday night, focused on locating combat weapons and military gear believed to have been hidden in the forested area. Using explosive-detection dogs, forces discovered six standard IDF grenades along with military equipment including a backpack and helmet suspected of being stolen from army bases.

According to statements from both the Israel Police and Prison Service spokespersons, the grenades were transferred to the Southern District's bomb disposal unit for handling.

The bomb disposal unit destroyed the grenades on-site. Investigators from the Towns Station are continuing to examine the findings and circumstances surrounding how the items came to be hidden in the forest.

The joint operation is part of an ongoing series of enforcement actions by security forces in recent weeks. Approximately two weeks ago, nine prison escapees were arrested in the Northern District in a combined Prison Service and police operation, while at the end of August, explosives and improvised explosive devices stolen from the IDF were seized in Tayibe.

Southern District police emphasized they will continue operating with determination alongside the Prison Service to locate combat weapons, thwart criminal activity, and maintain public security.