Thieves stole 18 containers of military equipment from an IDF infantry training base in the Negev last week, Israeli media reported Monday.
The stolen gear includes rifle ammunition, bulletproof vests, night vision apparatus and special unit equipment.
The theft occurred at Base 906, part of the School for Infantry Corps Professions and Squad Commanders.
Military Police and Israel Police have launched a joint investigation. No arrests have been made.
Experts suspect Bedouin involvement. "Past experience has taught us there's no other direction to look in," said Naomi Kahn, director of the International Division at Regavim, a think tank.
Kahn told JNS that theft from IDF bases is an ongoing issue. Bedouin thieves have previously stolen spent ammunition, target practice equipment and metal from old vehicles
The IDF and police had created a special unit, "Magen HaNegev," to combat the thefts. In 2022, it recovered $39 million worth of stolen military gear. The unit was suspended when the Oct. 7 war began, leading to a resurgence in thefts.
Kahn urges the reinstatement of Magen HaNegev, especially during wartime when weapons are frequently moved for repairs.
Knesset member Yitzhak Kroizer has proposed a bill to hold IDF commanders responsible for weapon thefts from their bases.
"There has to be not only responsibility when theft happens, but authority to stop it," Kahn said. "It's a security threat. Every man, woman and child is endangered by this kind of thing."
The JNS contributed to this article.
