Three M-16 rifles were stolen early Tuesday morning directly from soldiers at the Shayetet 13 naval commando base in Atlit, Channel 12 reported.

The theft occurred at around 3:30 a.m. Once the incident was discovered, an investigation was launched, and suspicions emerged that someone from within the base may have been involved. A soldier serving at the compound was arrested for questioning on suspicion of involvement in the theft.

The investigation is focused on determining the circumstances of the incident and locating the stolen weapons. Given the seriousness of the case and concerns over weapons being stolen from an IDF base, the probe is being conducted jointly by the Military Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Israel Police.

Once the investigation is completed, its findings are expected to be transferred to the Military Prosecution for review. The arrested soldier remains under investigation at this stage on suspicion of involvement in the incident.

The IDF said it "views any incident involving the theft of weapons with the utmost seriousness" and is "acting decisively to prevent such incidents in cooperation with the Israel Police."

The IDF added that a joint investigation by the Military Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Israel Police was opened following the incident, with the findings to be transferred to the Military Prosecution for review.