“This is the time to carry a gun,” Bennett tells citizens of Israel
Applications for firearms skyrocket in Israel amid new wave of terrorism, and that suits the prime minister just fine
Armed Israeli civilians shoot at a firing range
Gun license applications have skyrocketed in Israel following the recent series of terror attacks, and that suits Prime Minister Naftali Bennett just fine.
In a video address to the nation on Wednesday, Bennett stated (emphasis ours):
“Citizens of Israel, we are currently experiencing a wave of murderous terrorism. What is expected of you, citizens of Israel? Alertness and responsibility. Open your eyes. Whoever has a license to carry a weapon, this is the time to carry it.”
The prime minister and his security cabinet have been discussing ways to improve public safety in the wake of these horrific attacks, and more than once the idea of a volunteer civilian force has been floated.
At the very least, Bennett wants those who are licensed to carry a gun to arm themselves while in public. The first of the three latest attacks, a stabbing in Beersheva in which four people were killed, was ultimately halted by armed civilians.
On an average day, the Israel Ministry of Public Security receives no more than 60 applications for gun licenses.
The day after the Beersheva stabbing, 244 applications were received.
The Hadera shooting, in which two Border Police officers were killed, prompted 433 Israelis to apply for gun licenses.
And following this latest attack in Bnei Barak, applications skyrocketed to over 900 in one day.
“We have reinforced the [armed] presence throughout the country of those in uniform and those [civlians] carrying weapons,” added Bennett. “We have experience with struggle. Israeli society, when it is tested, knows how to show composure, remain resilient, and rise to the occasion. We cannot be broken.”
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