Drone-based weapons smuggling ring charged in Israel, West Bank

Israeli authorities have charged five individuals in connection with a cross-border weapons smuggling operation between Jordan and the West Bank.

The suspects include four residents of the Negev and one resident of Yatta in the Hebron district. Investigators allege the group carried out multiple operations using drones to transport weapons illegally across the border, Israeli media reports. 

Around 44 pistols were smuggled into Israel through these methods. Authorities also reported that additional weapons, including M-16 rifles and ammunition, were trafficked and later sold to a West Bank resident who distributed them locally.

By Sabina Mammadli