The demand for arms among illegal Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank has continued to rise since the establishment of the far-flung government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. They claim to be concerned about increasing levels of violence, although much of the violence comes from the settler communities living on stolen Palestinian land.
Many settlers are in a hurry to carry weapons and be trained to use them. This was encouraged by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called for the process of applying for licenses and obtaining weapons to be made easier for Jewish Israeli citizens.
“It’s for my safety, and for my family too,” said Gal, 35. AFP after firing several shots from his 9mm pistol. He works on construction sites in Israel which he considers not “the safest places”, because Palestinians also work on the sites.
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