An educational center in the Galil reported that 46 M-16 rifles were stolen from its premises overnight on Saturday night. Police have opened a full investigation into the incident and are searching for the missing weapons.

A statement was issued by the police stating that in spite of earlier reports suggesting the opposite, the rifles were not stolen from a military base. They have also been “sterilized” and were intended for ceremonial use only. They have been taken out of active service.

As part of the investigation, the DIFS (Division of Identification and Forensic Science) collected data and findings from the scene in an effort to further the investigation and more quickly identify the perpetrators of the theft.

(YWN israel Desk – Jerusalem)