Newsletter
Newsletter Support JNS

Thousands of illegal weapons seized in Arab communities in 2023

Since the beginning of the year, police have thwarted more than 40 violent gun crimes, including attempted murders.

A cache of weapons and ammunition captured during an Israeli raid on a terrorist hideout in Nablus, on July 24, 2022. Credit: Israel Police.
A cache of weapons and ammunition captured during an Israeli raid on a terrorist hideout in Nablus, on July 24, 2022. Credit: Israel Police.

In accordance with the policy set by Israel’s Minister of National Security and Commissioner of Police, the Israel Police has been carrying out what it describes as proactive operations to seize illegal weapons and end violent crime in Arab communities.

Since the beginning of the year, police have prevented more than 40 violent gun crimes—including attempted murders. Approximately 900 million shekels ($242 million) in illegal funds has been seized, along with 122 vehicles, in cooperation with the Tax Authority.

Since the operation began, police have executed 462 searches and made 567 arrests.

2023 saw a significant increase in the number of illegal weapons seized.

Since the beginning of the year, police have confiscated:

163 assault rifles, 362 improvised weapons, 930 improvised weapons, 47 shotguns, 316 grenades, 131 explosive charges and 117,077 different types of ammunition.

The National Security Minister and Police Commissioner emphasize that every weapon seized prevents another terrorist or criminal shooting.

“In this political environment, he may be as reliable a supporter as possible that the Democratic caucus would sign off on for the position,” political science scholar Dan Schnur told JNS.
“Anyone who attempts to pose a threat or attack Israel will face devastating consequences,” said Danny Danon, Israeli ambassador to the global body.
“I think they’re much more susceptible to being targeted if a public official wants to target them, if a community wants to target them,” Rep. Josh Gottheimer told JNS.
Israel is building a barrier as part of efforts to bolster border defenses.