Israeli forces expose largest Palestinian weapons factory ever discovered

Israeli security forces uncovered the largest illegal Palestinian weapons factory exposed to date.

Security forces, in a raid in Hebron Sunday night, discovered underneath a Palestinian home more than 100 Carl Gustav m/45 barrels, Russian 7.62 sniper rifles and M16 rifle parts with assembly instructions. Forces also seized 15 machines for shaping metal and other materials used for producing homemade weapons.

The raid, which involved hundreds of soldiers from several IDF units working in conjunction with the Israeli Border Police, is part of an ongoing campaign to uncover and destroy illegal production plants in Judea and Samaria that have manufactured weapons used in terror attacks against Israelis.

Security forces seized the weapons from the facility and arrested two of the factory’s owners, a father and son, who were turned over to the Shin Bet (Israel’s Security Agency) for questioning. During his initial interrogation, the father claimed the facility hidden beneath his home was simply producing agricultural equipment.

Approximately 15 other Palestinians were employed at the factory, the IDF estimates, and more arrests are expected.

Since the beginning of 2016, in a special effort to halt the prolific Palestinian weapons production venture, Israeli forces have rounded up more than 420 firearms and shut at least 40 illegal weapons production plants.

By: Aryeh Savir, World Israel News