Israeli authorities recovered a shoulder-fired MATADOR missile during a joint operation in Shfaram and detained two suspects, one described as an undocumented resident. Separately, ten flash grenades were found after a traffic collision in the Western Galilee and removed by a bomb squad. Police say they have seized more than 610 illegal weapons so far in 2026. A related investigation into a stolen M16 rifle previously uncovered an alleged drug network and led to indictments.
Police Recover Stolen MATADOR Missile in Shfaram; 10 Flash Grenades Seized in Western Galilee
MATADOR-style shoulder missile seized by Israel Police and IDF in northern Israel, September 6, 2026. (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON
Israeli police say they recovered a shoulder-fired MATADOR missile and arrested two suspects in Shfaram during a joint operation in northern Israel. Separately, officers discovered ten flash grenades following a traffic collision in the Western Galilee.
Missile Recovered During Targeted Operation
Police announced on Sunday that the MATADOR missile was seized during a targeted operation carried out jointly by the Northern District Police, the IDF's anti-terror unit and officers from the military's northern command. Two people were detained in Shfaram on suspicion of stealing the weapon; authorities said one of the suspects is an undocumented resident. Both suspects were transferred to the Galilee Region police station for questioning and are expected to be brought before a court to extend their detention.
Flash Grenades Found After Traffic Crash
Later the same day, officers reported finding ten flash grenades after a traffic accident involving a car and a scooter without license plates in the Western Galilee. The scooter was impounded and an Israel Police bomb squad was dispatched to the scene to remove the devices safely and transport them for further evidence collection. (A photo from the scene was dated September 6, 2026.)
Ten flash grenades found by police during a traffic accident, September 6, 2026. (credit: ISRAEL POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Wider Context: Weapons Seizures and Ongoing Investigations
Police reiterated that, since the start of 2026, they have seized more than 610 illegal weapons as part of intensified efforts to curb violent crime. Authorities say these operations are part of an ongoing crackdown on weapons trafficking and armed crime in the north.
Related M16 Theft Probe
In a related case earlier this year, a reservist and a civilian were indicted over the theft and alleged trafficking of an M16 rifle stolen from an IDF base in northern Israel. That investigation also exposed an alleged network suspected of selling cocaine and other drugs, reportedly including sales to soldiers inside military bases. An IDF major linked to the drugs probe is expected to be indicted separately, according to a joint military and police statement.
The inquiry began on June 20 when Military Police reported the M16 stolen from a northern base. Investigators arrested a 30-year-old reservist noncommissioned officer from Tiberias that evening on suspicion of stealing the rifle from a soldier in his unit. When evidence suggested the weapon had been passed to criminal elements, the Northern District Police's central investigative unit opened a joint probe with the northern unit of the Military Police.
Note: Police officials say operations are ongoing and further arrests or charges may follow as investigations continue.
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