The history of the US military is rich with countless exceptional machine guns. Those of us with gun nerd syndrome are all generally well informed on these guns, but as for weapons outside of the US, our knowledge tends to thin a bit. With that, I thought it appropriate to look at a light machine gun from our friends in Israel. Their LMG of choice is the Negev.
The IWI Negev – A Unique Israeli LMG
The IWI Negev is a 5.56×45mm NATO light machine gun developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). In 2012, IWI introduced the Negev NG-7, a variant chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. The NG stands for Next Generation. Both variants of the Negev are in service with the Israel Defense Forces.
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The Negev started development in 1985 by Israel Military Industries (now Israel Weapon Industries) to replace the then-in-service Galil ARM. The LMG entered service with the IDF in 1997, after extensive testing conducted by the IDF Ordnance Corps. The Negev is named after the Negev Desert in southern Israel.
Gas Operated
The Negev is a gas-operated, air-cooled, open-bolt, select-fire light machine gun (LMG) with a rotating bolt. The Negev uses a long-stroke gas piston system that runs under the barrel and is connected directly to the bolt carrier. The gas system includes a three-position gas regulator for use with various feed types and conditions. The design was made to be reliable, especially in adverse conditions. It was officially adopted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in 1997.
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The Negev fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from belts or box magazines. Normally, assault pouches with 150-round belts are fitted to the weapon. Galil magazines can be inserted in the magazine well, and STANAG magazines can be used if an adapter is fitted. The gas regulator has three positions: one for 650 to 800 rounds per minute, one for 800 to 950 rounds per minute, and a third for launching muzzle grenades.
The IWI Negev
A unique feature of the Negev is that it can be converted to a 6.5mm Creedmoor by changing barrels. The round is then fed from standard M13 disintegrating links. IWI currently offers four versions of the Negev, each in a different configuration. While not as commonly seen in our circles, the Negev is presently used in 22 different countries.
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For more information, visit IWI.
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