Not a rifle. That's a *Negev* Light machine gun, belt or magazine fed, the Israeli equivalent of the US M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, or F.N. *Minimi*:
IMI Negev - Design & VariantsOn the surface the Negev LMG looks suspiciously like a Minimi LMG clone. Inside, the two firearms vary in several technical aspects. All in all, both items are very much alike, both very accurate, reliable and light weighted. Based on the IDF operational experience with both weapons over the years in adverse field conditions, the Negev LMG proved itself to be more reliable in harsh desert conditions then the Minimi LMG. The Negev LMG folding stock is also a big advantage over the Minimi LMG.
Same as its direct competitor - the Minimi LMG - the Negev LMG has two versions:
The standard Negev LMG has a 46 cm barrel, weighs 7.60 kg, and is 102 cm in length when in the retracted stock position, and 78 cm in the stock folded position.
The Negev Commando LMG has a 33 cm barrel, weighs 6.95 kg, and is only 890 cm in length when in the retracted stock position (less then a M16A1/A2 assault rifle), and just 68 cm in the stock folded position.
Apart from their size and weights, the standard and the Commando versions of the Negev LMG also differ in several other technical aspects. The barrel of the standard Negev LMG is equipped with a rail adapter, design especially to mount an ITL AIM1/D IR laser pointer. The ITL AIM1/D extended service in the IDF more then a decade ago, and is still the most common laser pointer in the IDF, and in most IDF units it's the only one used. While being somewhat bulky compare to more modern laser pointers, the AIM1/D is a very rigid and effective piece of equipment. Its vast usage in the IDF inflicted the IMI to fit the standard Negev LMG barrel with an integral special adapter to mount it. The Commando version, however, lacks that adapter.
Most Negev Commandos LMG used in the IDF are also equipped with a forward assault handle, replacing the bipod that is issued with the standard Negev LMG. The handle enables the operator a firm grip while charging, and can also be utilized as a monopod if case call for an additional stationary fire support. Both Negev LMG models can also be equipped with a M1913 Picatinny rail allowing the repeated mounting and removal of optics and another accessories without losing aim. Both models can be fed from either a soft assault drum (with either 200 or 150 rounds capacity) or from a standard Galil or M16 5.56 mm assault rifles' magazine. This feature allows interchangeability with the IDF soldiers' own personal carried 5.56 mm firearms.
The standard Negev LMG is currently issued to regular units, while the Commando version is only issued to few selected SF units. However, even in the SF units the standard version is much more common since the longer barrel enables improved accuracy in long ranges.
