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An armed robber has stolen thousands of dollars from two banks in Israel... with an avocado, Israeli media reported on Monday.

The 47-year-old from Beersheba has been detained for holding up two banks and stealing nearly 30,000 shekels ($8,300) armed with an avocado, the Times of Israel reported.

"Hand over the money in the drawer," a note the man gave to a teller at one bank in the Beersheba area.

"Put the money in the bag quickly or I'll throw this grenade," he added, referring to the avocado, painted black to give it the appearance of the hand-held explosive.

Five days later and with avocado in hand he held up another Postal Bank branch at a shopping mall in the area, walking away with a further 12,000 shekels ($3,300).

Security cameras picked up the man who was disguised with a hat, sunglasses and even an eye patch.

He was tracked down using his mobile phone location and charged with aggravated robbery. He had previously done a stint in prison for armed robbery.