State prosecutors have filed an indictment against two residents of Rahat after authorities allegedly caught them in possession of an IDF-issued M-16 rifle, eight magazines, and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition. One of the defendants is an active IDF reservist accused of removing the weapon from a military base without authorization.

According to the indictment, 21-year-old Maasari Karinawi was serving as an active reservist and had been authorized to possess the M-16 only while on base. Prosecutors allege he illegally removed the rifle from the base and later met with 20-year-old Fahad al-Karinawi and a third suspect in a vehicle in Rahat.

Investigators say officers found the rifle loaded with a magazine containing 29 rounds, along with seven additional magazines and two ammunition boxes holding roughly 170 more rounds. At one point, prosecutors allege the reservist remained inside the vehicle while Fahad and the third suspect stood outside wearing masks, with Fahad holding the loaded rifle.

Police conducting a proactive operation in the area reportedly spotted the suspects and ordered them to stop. According to the indictment, Fahad and the third suspect fled on foot, with Fahad allegedly throwing away the rifle during the pursuit. He was arrested shortly afterward, and officers recovered the weapon nearby. The reservist was arrested inside the vehicle, while the third suspect escaped.

Both defendants have been charged with illegal possession and transportation of weapons and ammunition. Prosecutors say the case underscores the ongoing effort by Israeli law enforcement to combat the theft and illegal distribution of weapons and ammunition from IDF stockpiles into criminal hands.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)