The Knesset plenum approved today (Monday) on first reading the IDF Bases Protection Bill, proposed by MK Yitzhak Kroizer of the Otzma Yehudit party. The bill seeks to increase the penalty for unauthorized entry into military facilities, aiming to curb the alarming rise in weapons theft from IDF bases.
Up to 7 Years in Prison
The bill’s explanatory notes state: “In recent years, there has been a troubling increase in thefts of weapons from IDF bases, with these weapons ending up in criminal hands.”
Under the proposed legislation, the punishment for entering a restricted area—as defined in Article 115 of Israel’s Penal Code—would increase from three to seven years in prison. This would apply even in cases where there is no proven intent to harm state security, which is already punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The bill does not alter this existing upper limit, but rather strengthens deterrence for the more common offense of military trespassing.
An Additional Layer in the Fight
This bill builds on the Powers for the Protection of Public Security Law, passed in 2024, which granted IDF soldiers expanded authority over trespassers.
After the vote, MK Kroizer said: “Military weapons that reach the hands of criminals endanger the citizens of Israel. Tougher sentencing will serve as a deterrent and help reduce this dangerous phenomenon.”
In the preparation for the bill’s second and third readings, lawmakers will examine the possibility of creating a tiered punishment system based on aggravating circumstances and will consider requiring security bodies to submit regular reports to the National Security Committee.
