Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir announced a new expansion plan aimed at increasing the number of armed settlers in the occupied city of Jerusalem. This step includes granting personal firearm licenses to over 300,000 additional Israelis, as part of a systematic policy led by the leader of the 'Jewish Strength' party since he took office.
Ben Gvir clarified via social media platforms that the decision includes adding 41 new neighborhoods and 1,600 streets in Jerusalem to the list of areas eligible for carrying weapons. The extremist minister claimed that this measure aims to enhance what he described as 'personal security' and increase the ability to confront operations, despite human rights warnings that this step encourages targeting Palestinians.
Official statistics issued by Ben Gvir's office indicate that approximately 240,000 Israelis have already obtained weapon licenses since the end of 2022. This figure reflects a significant jump in the arming of Israeli civilians, a policy that has accelerated markedly since the outbreak of comprehensive confrontations in October 2023.
In contrast, the German government expressed its strong condemnation of the escalating violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. A spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry described these incidents as 'extremely shocking,' emphasizing that they are part of a long series of systematic attacks targeting unarmed residents.
Berlin stressed the need to hold those responsible for these crimes accountable, noting that the killing of five Palestinian civilians by settler gunfire within one week represents a 'tragic culmination' of the escalation on the ground. Diplomatic sources confirmed that serious discussions are currently underway within the European Union to impose strict sanctions on settlers involved in the violence.
On the ground, the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem are witnessing an unprecedented escalation in the pace of attacks carried out by both the occupation army and settlers. According to official Palestinian data, the number of martyrs since October 8, 2023, has reached approximately 1,125, in addition to nearly 11,700 others who sustained various injuries.
The violations were not limited to killing and injury but also included widespread arrest campaigns targeting approximately 22,000 Palestinians in various West Bank governorates. These campaigns are accompanied by extensive property destruction and the demolition of homes and vital facilities, in an attempt to displace the indigenous population and expand illegal settlement areas.
Israeli press reports, including those published by Haaretz newspaper, confirm that settler attacks recorded a record increase of 25% during the last year. These attacks often occur under the direct protection of occupation forces, providing cover for settlers to continue their aggressive practices against Palestinian villages and towns.
Observers and human rights activists believe that Ben Gvir's policy of facilitating weapon licenses turns the streets of Jerusalem and the West Bank into open arenas for cold-blooded killing. These measures are considered a blatant violation of international laws that consider Jerusalem and the West Bank occupied territories, obliging the occupying power to protect civilians, not to arm settlers against them.
In light of this escalation, the international community demands immediate intervention to stop the policy of indiscriminate arming and curb settler attacks. However, the Israeli government continues to ignore international warnings, proceeding with its plans aimed at changing the demographic and security reality in the holy city through the force of arms.
Citizens owning weapons is an important element in enhancing personal security and the ability to respond to incidents.
שתף את דעתך
Ben Gvir Legitimizes Arming 300,000 Additional Settlers in Jerusalem, Germany Calls West Bank Attacks 'Shocking'