The Negev is a modern light machine gun of Israeli origin. It was developed in the 1980's by Israel Military Industries to replace the Galil ARM light support weapon in Israeli service. The size and performance are practically similar to the widely used Belgian Minimi.

The Negev is a gas operated weapon that uses a short stroke gas piston and a rotating bolt. Externally the Negev looks quite similar to the Belgian Minimi. It is a belt fed weapon that feeds from the left and alternatively Galil type box magazines can be used by inserting them in the magazine well in the bottom. Unlike most light machine guns the Negev is also capable of semi-automatic fire.

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.

In 1995 the Negev was officially adopted by the Israel Defense Force. It is the standard light machine gun in Israeli service and was to fully replace the MAG in infantry and vehicle use, a plan which has now been postponed. The Negev has been exported to various nations.