IWI Negev
| IWI Negev | |
|---|---|
Negev chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO | |
| Type | Light machine gun |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1997–present |
| Used by | See Users |
| Wars | Second Intifada 2006 Lebanon War Gaza War (2008–2009) War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) Operation Protective Edge Russo-Ukrainian War Gaza war 2025 Cambodia–Thailand conflict |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Israel Military Industries |
| Designed | 1985–1990 |
| Manufacturer | Israel Weapon Industries made under license by Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems Z111 Factory (licensed components and derived copies) |
| Produced | 1995–present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 7.65 kg (16.9 lb) (Negev NG-5) 7.6 kg (17 lb) (Negev NG-7) 7.4 kg (16 lb) (STrL-7,62VN) |
| Length | 1,020 mm (40 in) (stock extended) (Negev and Negev NG-5) 1,100 mm (43 in) (stock extended) (Negev NG-7) |
| Barrel length | 460 mm (18 in) (Negev NG-5) 508 mm (20.0 in) (Negev NG-7) |
| Cartridge | 5.56×45mm NATO (Negev and Negev NG-5) 7.62×51mm NATO (Negev NG-7) 7.62×39mm (STrL-7,62VN) |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 850–1050 RPM (Negev and Negev NG-5) 600–750 RPM (Negev NG-7) |
| Muzzle velocity | 915 m/s (3,000 ft/s) (Negev and Negev NG-5) 860 m/s (2,800 ft/s) (Negev NG-7) 735 m/s (2,410 ft/s) (STrL-7,62VN) |
| Effective firing range | 300–1,000 m sight adjustments |
| Maximum firing range | 1,200 m (1,300 yd) |
| Feed system | 150-, 200-round disintegrating M27 ammunition belt, 35-round box magazine or STANAG NATO magazines (Negev and Negev NG-5) 100- and 125-round disintegrating M13 NATO ammunition belts (Negev NG-7) M43-cartridge box magazine, drum magazine or RPD's 100-round non-disintegrating ammuntion belt (STrL-7,62VN) |
| Sights | Aperture with elevation drum, adjustable front post, folding tritium night sights, and a Picatinny rail for various optical sights. |
The IWI Negev (also known as the Negev NG-5) is a 5.56×45mm NATO light machine gun developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), formerly Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI).
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.