Israeli IDF, Mine Sweeping Unit, M70E Fielded Bayonet

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acquired and issued Yugoslavian Zastava M70 (M70E) bayonets specifically to its sapper (combat engineering) and minefield clearance units. Instead of being mounted on service rifles, these bayonets were utilized strictly as multi-purpose utility knives and field wire cutters, as seen by the dull blade tips. They were used as special kit carrieed for one purpose,  probing for mines!

Insulated Wire Cutting: The M70E bayonet matches with its scabbard to form a functional pair of heavy-duty wire cutters. The rubber/bakelite components and blade tang design serve as an electrical insulator, allowing sappers to safely cut through potentially electrified fence lines.

     The history of how Yugoslav bayonets for the Zastava M70 rifle reached the Israeli army is an unusual plot for state arsenals. The purchases were made not through official inter-state contracts, but through private dealers, who bought batches of bayonets on the international military antiques market and wholesaled them to the IDF. The intended purpose was narrow: arming sapper units.

The bayonets were acquired specifically as multi-purpose knives and wire cutters for sapper work — cutting barbed wire, wires, straps and other light tasks. The possibility of mounting on the rifle was formally retained (all attachment fittings remained in place), but the bayonets were not standardly fitted to weapons. The Israeli version differs from ordinary Yugoslav Zastava M70 specimens by additional markings on the scabbard and blade: in addition to the original Yugoslav marks, an IDF stamp was applied, confirming official adoption. For carrying, a special leg-mounted holster was used — a non-standard solution for regular army equipment.

The "jist" of it: These bayonets were sourced from a 3rd party wholesaler outside of the Israel Gov, only issued in a small window of history, to a specific area of the Israeli Defense Forces (SAPPERS/Mine Sweepers), and only to satisfy a very niche military requirement in the IDF army. Needless to say, they are rare and their history is very unorthodox as military continuity goes. 

Which is why they are so collectable and are rarely seen. This particular bayonet and any of the surviving examples have had their blade tips worn down by undoubtedly hours and hours of probing for mines in the desert sand or in the training fields of Israel. 

Either way... you are not likely to see another!

We acquired this bayonet from Croatia. Late July/26

SPECS:

• Condition: Surplus/Feilded
• Country Of Origin: Israel/Yugoslavia
• Manufacturer: Israeli  Defense Force
• Weapon System: Ak47
  
• Military Branch: Sappers/Mine Sweepers

Sources:

https://antiquegallery.com.ua/en/bayonets-lv/israeli-bayonet-for-the-yugoslav-zastava-m70-rifle-used-by-idf-sappers/