(Communicated by the IDF Spokesperson)

On January 19, 2015, naval forces together with the ISA intercepted a vessel on its way to the Gaza Strip from the Sinai Peninsula. The vessel was being used to smuggle liquid fiberglass for manufacturing rockets and mortars. Three suspects, Mahmed Bechar, Ahmed Zaidi and Awad Zaidi, were arrested and confessed that the shipment was intended for Hamas.

During the investigation the three perpetrators conveyed detailed information on previous weapon smuggling activities and on how Hamas intended to utilize fisherman and smugglers for future smuggling attempts.

On February 11, 2015, charges were filed against all three suspects in the district court in Beer-Sheva, for taking part in security-related crimes.

Lt. Colonel Peter Lerner, IDF Spokesman: "The IDF is determined to prevent unlawful attempts to ship weapons and raw materials that may jeopardize the well being of Israelis. This shipment highlights that when Hamas chose to smuggle materials for rockets and mortars, it chose not to invest in the rehabilitation for the people of Gaza."