GOC Central Command Maj. Gen. Nadav Padan has instructed security officers in settlements around Jerusalem on Sunday to collect military-issue weapons and return them to the IDF, Israel Hayom has learned.
The order to collect military-issue weapons comes because responsibility for securing the settlements surrounding Jerusalem has been transferred to the Border Police, rather than the IDF.
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Collecting military-issue weapons is the next stage of a decision by the GOC Central Command to disband the security teams in these communities and attach the team members to the Border Police as volunteers.
The orders include several dozen weapons to be collected in each community, which will leave most of the residents without weapons. The few weapons to be retained will be used primarily by the community security officers and their deputies.
The orders affect 13 Israeli settlements, including two – Maaleh Adumim and Kedar – in which IDF-issued weapons were collected two months ago. The other settlements that fall under the Central Command's order are Alon, Kfar Adumim, Nofei Porat, Anatot, Kedar, Beit Horin, Har Gilo, Givat Ze'ev, New Givon, Old Givon, and Har Adar.
Residents are upset at the decision, which they say leaves them feeling as if the IDF has abandoned responsibility for their security.
