IDF Humvee Goes Missing From Military Base, Sparking Theft Investigation and Security Fears

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Friday that the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID) has launched an investigation into the suspected theft of a military Humvee from the Julis military base in southern Israel. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the vehicle's disappearance, amid concerns that it could be used to gain unauthorized access to IDF installations or carry out a terrorist attack.

Following the discovery, security personnel launched searches around the Julis base and nearby military facilities. A general restriction on leave was also imposed on all personnel of Battalion 652, which is responsible for the maintenance and upgrading of engineering equipment and armored combat vehicles.

Disappearance Discovered During Equipment Inspection

According to available details, the vehicle's disappearance was first detected on Monday, after a similar vehicle had been brought into an emergency military storage facility at the base.

Shortly afterward, a maintenance order was entered into the military's SAP management system without the vehicle being loaded or physically inspected. During a subsequent inspection of the storage facility on Thursday, personnel discovered that the Humvee was missing from its designated parking space.

As part of the efforts to locate the vehicle, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the entrance and exit points of the Julis base. The incident was also reported to the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division, while a drone was deployed to search the area surrounding the installation.

IDF Launches Criminal Investigation

In an official statement, the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said: "During routine inspections conducted by a military unit in southern Israel, a military Humvee was reported missing. Following the report, the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident."

The statement added that military investigators would continue working to combat the theft of military equipment and weapons and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities seeking to establish how the vehicle disappeared and whether any individuals were involved in its suspected theft.