[9] During the weapon's initial development a barrel with a 1 in (25 mm) (1:12 in) rifling twist rate was also planned, adapted for the lightweight M193 cartridge.

The Negev has its sight rail mounted to the frame of the gun, and not the feed top cover, which is detached when reloading.

This allows it to stay zeroed for a longer period of time when mounting red-dot, reflex sights or other optics.

[11] The classic Negev did not possess the modern standardized Picatinny rail, and instead came with a welded adapter for an optical sight.

The receiver also has slots and hooks used to secure the weapon to vehicle mounting hardware, including helicopters.

[11][14] The Negev SF 'Commando' variants also come with a 45 degree forward grip "assault handle", allowing controlled fire while not using the bipod.

[11] Current Negev models come mounting positions for bipods and the "assault grip" as well as a number of picatinny rails, including on the handguard allowing users to mount other hardware, including: laser pointers or laser target and illumination devices.

52[7] and the PK, uses a lever mounted on the left wall of the receiver and driven by a cam in the recoiling bolt carrier to turn a small feed pawl.

[18] In late 2024, Vietnam revealed a local Negev variant, designated as the STrL-7,62VN (Vietnamese: Súng Trung Liên - 7,62mm Việt Nam, lit.