In recent months, the Ministry of National Security has been leading the "Israel is Arming" campaign, in an attempt to restore security and a sense of security following the murderous terrorist attack of October 7th. This campaign has led to a situation where tens of thousands of additional citizens currently hold weapons under a private license, or by virtue of their role in internal security – for example, in the police first response teams.
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At the same time as the accelerated armament in Jewish society, the rate of crime and violence in Arab society continues to soar. In 2023, 244 men and women were murdered in the Arab sector, more than double the rate in comparison to 2022. Media reports from the first weeks of 2024 do not indicate an improving trend.
It is not surprising that data from the Viterbi Family Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at the Israel Democracy Institute shows that while the fear for one's physical security in the future of the Jewish sector has decreased since October 7, the fear for one's physical security in the future of the Arab citizens in the country has only increased during this period.
In light of these developments, the Muslim citizens of Israel will celebrate the month of Ramadan in about three weeks. Along with the need to allow freedom of worship, the police are required to ensure, as part of the preparations for this religious holiday, that all citizens of Israel will feel safe throughout.
First, it is important that the police take into account that thousands of volunteers in the various sectors have recently joined new first response teams, and make them understand their limitations in operational activity. For example, according to police regulations, volunteers are not allowed to take direct action in incidents of civil disturbances and demonstrations. In addition to this, due to the fact that the volunteers in the first response teams are authorized to provide an initial response to an incident until the arrival of the police forces, it is important to repeat and underscore the instructions for opening fire to the new volunteers during these tense times.
Second, the police have to prepare for the presence of tens of thousands of new private firearm owners. The "Israel is Arming" campaign underwent public criticism after the minister's call to citizens to intervene in a security incident, while at the same time, it is difficult to ensure that all private firearm owners are qualified, trained, and skilled, as required by law. It is recommended that the police and the ministry currently clarify the limitations of using the gun that the owners of private firearms hold in their hands.
The police must consider the fact that there are now thousands of volunteers in the various sectors, who have joined their new first response teams and clarify the limitations that apply to them during operational activity. For example, according to police regulations, volunteers are not allowed to take direct action in incidents of civil disturbances and demonstrations
Finally, the police should ensure that armed, unregulated, and unsupervised civil organizations do not operate independently at all, especially during such sensitive times.
Last month it was announced that the Shin Bet feared that the establishment of the first response teams and the uncontrolled distribution of weapons to Jewish citizens would increase the sense of insecurity in the Arab society, and warned against extensive cuts in the budgets intended for the Arab society. The government has currently submitted its budget proposal for 2024, showing a worrying 15% cut in the budget intended for reducing the disparities and fighting crime in Arab society. In light of this, the state should invest heavily in making sure everyone is safe in Israel and the greatest efforts must be made in ensuring a peaceful Ramadan.
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