Israel TV Channel 2 reports that seven people are being charged with trading in weapons that had been stolen from an IDF munitions base in the south. Indictments against them were submitted to the Beer Sheva District Court. Three of the suspects, who live in the Bedouin diaspora, are suspected of stealing at least 3,000 shells worth about NIS 23 million ($6 million).
The seven were arrested following a joint, secret investigation of GSS, the police, and military police. The indictment describes an abysmal security situation at the IDF base, which is located outside Mitzpe Ramon, about half-way between Beer Sheva and Eilat.
The base was surrounded by low wire fences, above which the thieves were able to step easily and take their time hauling the enormous loot unmolested for half a year.
The IDF says that the appropriate lessons have been learned from the case and security is now greatly improved at the base.