The Israel Defense Forces has recovered more than 300,000 pieces of military equipment through a nationwide weapons amnesty campaign, prompting the military to extend the return period until November 16. The initiative, launched on November 1, established 62 collection stations at military bases across Israel, allowing individuals to surrender weapons and equipment that had been unlawfully removed from military possession without providing identification or facing prosecution under the campaign’s terms. According to figures released by the IDF, the recovered items include approximately 210 firearms, 3,800 stun and fragmentation grenades, mortars and launchers, 3,000 weapon accessories, 1,600 combat equipment items, and 430 medical supplies. The military also reported collecting approximately 8,700 uniforms, clothing and textile items, along with tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition. Among the unusual discoveries were Kalashnikov rifles reportedly taken from battlefields in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as an Uzi submachine gun that had been retired from IDF service more than 30 years ago. The scale of the recovery highlights how much military equipment had remained outside authorized military storage following years of intensive fighting and reserve mobilization.

The IDF said the campaign was extended by two additional days because of the overwhelming response, giving people until Monday, November 16, to return eligible equipment under the temporary legal protections. The initiative was designed to encourage individuals to surrender weapons, ammunition and military supplies without fear of prosecution for their unlawful removal, possession or carrying, provided they comply with the campaign's conditions. Military officials have emphasized that the operation is intended to strengthen public safety, prevent dangerous weapons from remaining in private homes and ensure that military equipment does not fall into unauthorized or hostile hands. Colonel Moshe Schwartz, a senior officer in the IDF's Technology and Logistics Directorate, explained that special legal authorization was secured to allow anonymous returns and encourage participation. Once the extended deadline expires, the temporary immunity will end and enforcement against the unlawful removal and possession of military equipment will resume. The IDF is urging anyone still holding eligible military property to take advantage of the final days of the campaign before the return window closes.