Shin Bet Exposes Bedouin Cell That Monitored IDF Radios to Smuggle Weapons

Israeli security forces have uncovered a sophisticated weapons smuggling network operated by four Bedouin Israeli citizens who allegedly intercepted IDF radio communications to evade patrols while moving arms into Israel, the Israel Security Agency said Thursday.

The arrests were carried out about a month ago following a joint investigation by the Shin Bet, the Israel Police Southern District, and the IDF. On Thursday morning, the Southern District Prosecutor’s Office filed a serious indictment against the four in the Be’er Sheva District Court.

According to security officials, the suspects, residents of Mas’udin al-Azazmeh in the south, ran a series of smuggling attempts from the Egypt border using drones and real-time intelligence gathered by listening to IDF radio networks. Security officials say the exposure of the operation highlights a rare and severe threat of Israeli citizens allegedly assisting weapons flows that directly support terror activity.

Investigators said the cell relied on advanced methods to move weapons across the border, with drones playing a central role in relaying arms from Egypt into Israel. Officials said the suspects’ familiarity with the border area and IDF activity allowed them to choose routes and timing that reduced the risk of being detected.

A key element of the operation was the alleged interception of IDF radio communications during active missions. By listening to military traffic, the suspects were able to track troop movements in the area and adjust their smuggling runs in real time.

In one incident cited by security officials, IDF forces detected a drone crossing from the Egyptian border and brought it down. The drone was carrying four MAG machine guns that were en route into Israel. The foiled attempt, officials said, illustrates the scale and intent of the smuggling network.

Security officials described weapons smuggling across Israel’s borders as a “supply pipeline for terror organizations,” warning that such activity directly undermines state security. “This activity assists terror organizations and directly and significantly harms state security,” officials said.

In a joint statement, the Shin Bet, Israel Police, and the IDF said: “The activity of smuggling weapons across the country’s borders constitutes a supply pipeline for terror organizations, assists their activity, and can significantly harm state security.”

The statement added: “The Shin Bet, Israel Police and the IDF view with severity any involvement or assistance by Israeli citizens in terror activity and in the smuggling of weapons across the borders, which endanger state security, and will continue to act to thwart and bring those involved to justice.”