The design was finalised in 1995, began field testing in 1996 and was accepted by the IDF in 1997. Compared to similar weapons it is very light, just 7.5 kg complete (fitting a 150 round pouch magazine adds 2.1 kg) and compact, fractionally over a metre long. The ammunition is NATO standard 5.56 x 45, either the US M855 or the European SS109. The weapon fires with a gas operated open-bolt allowing a maximum rate of 1000 rpm.
The Negev allows for a shortened barrel and box magazine to be fitted and the stock removed, producing a very compact weapon. In conjuction with this the weapon has a select fire choice and also a variable rate of fire between 700-850 or 850-1000 rpm.