Two handguns, an explosive device, ammunition, and magazines were seized from a school compound in the Bedouin town of Lakiya in southern Israel during a planned enforcement operation, Israel Police confirmed on Thursday.
The items were transferred for forensic processing, and an investigation was opened at the Ayarot police station.
The discovery came amid intensified campaigns against illegal weapons in the Negev.
During the search, officers found an explosive device, a Glock pistol with a magazine, a Taurus pistol with a magazine, and an ammunition crate containing a 0.5 mm-linked belt.
Police also seized M16 magazines and a hydraulic switch used as a breaching tool, suspected to have been stolen from the Fire and Rescue Service.
All items were cataloged and moved to police custody for analysis and evidence handling.
'Significant step in safeguarding residents, children'
Asst.-Cmdr. Shashi Shlomo of the Rotem Subdistrict said the operation reflects the force’s determination to strike at dangerous infrastructure and remove weapons hidden even inside educational institutions.
“Seizing the weapons and the device on school grounds is a significant step in safeguarding residents and children, and we will continue to act with determination and zero tolerance against the crime drivers behind shooting incidents,” he said.
Police said Rotem Subdistrict officers will continue proactive activity against illegal weapons possession, with a focus on cases where arms are hidden in schools and pose an immediate danger to the public.
The Lakiya find follows recent enforcement waves across the Negev targeting smuggling routes, arms caches, and local criminal networks, police noted.