Former Shin Bet official advises bringing weapons to synagogues — Jerusalem Post
In Israel, Arik Barbing, the former head of a Shin Bet division in Jerusalem and the West Bank, called on gun license holders to bring their weapons with them to synagogues during Yom Kippur prayers. This was reported by the Jerusalem Post.
Call for armed visitors
Barbing said on 103FM that it is impossible to ensure flawless security at every synagogue. He mentioned serious incidents at synagogues, as well as at the Mercaz HaRav yeshiva. According to him, civilians now have more weapons than before, and synagogue leaders should ensure that armed people are among the visitors.
The former official called this a minimum measure for saving lives in a sensitive security situation. He believes that synagogues may be targets for terrorist attacks and that gun owners are the first line of defense for worshippers.
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Situation in the West Bank
Barbing was also asked about a scenario in which weapons held by the Palestinian police could be used against Israelis. He said that the military, Shin Bet and other agencies are dealing with this issue, while preparations for such a scenario should be discussed privately.
In his assessment, the security situation in the West Bank differs significantly from what it was on the eve of October 7. Barbing claims that the Israel Defense Forces and security agencies control the territory and carry out nighttime arrests, from refugee camps in Jenin to the South Hebron Hills. He added that he is not aware of organized use of Palestinian police weapons against Israelis, but believes that a local incident could escalate into more serious events.
