Security forces conducted an operation in the southern part of Israel, arresting a suspect involved in operating a marijuana farm within a military base. The hothouse was discovered within Israel Defense Forces firing zones, raising concerns about security breaches.
During the operation, undercover troops ambushed the drug hothouse and spotted the suspect arriving on an ATV without proper identification. Despite calls to stop, the suspect attempted to flee, leading to a pursuit by the forces on ATVs, resulting in his eventual arrest. The 18-year-old suspect, a Palestinian resident of Bethlehem, was handed over to the police for further investigation.
This incident sheds light on the recurring issue of Israeli-Bedouin and Palestinian theft and illegal activities within military zones. Only a few months ago, two Israeli-Bedouin citizens were arrested in the same military zone on suspicion of breaking into an IDF base and stealing tens of thousands of ammunition rounds. The timely intervention, based on intelligence from the Shin Bet, prevented the stolen ammunition, approximately 26 thousand rounds, from falling into the wrong hands.
EXCLUSIVE: Video footage of illegal drug fields on IDF Training Grounds!
— Regavim (@RegavimEng) August 8, 2021
Near the Tze’elim base in the Negev, cannabis farms have sprung up in recent years. On each farm, there are hundreds, even thousands, of marijuana plants = millions of shekels. pic.twitter.com/DO2cJG7JqY
MK Almog Cohen expressed concern over the lack of governance in the wild Negev and demanded the involvement of the Shin Bet in investigating such serious incidents. The stolen ammunition poses a significant threat as it can be used by criminals, murderers, and potentially even terrorists, endangering the security of the country.
MK Danny Danon of the Likud party called for updating the IDF's "opening fire" instructions to address such security breaches and protect the country from potential strategic dangers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilant security measures to safeguard military facilities and prevent illegal activities within IDF firing zones.
