this could also apply to Shuls Chu"l
Arik Barbing, the former head of the Shin Bet’s counterterrorism division for Jerusalem, Yehuda, and Shomron, called on all licensed gun owners to bring their weapons to shul on Yom Kippur.
Speaking in an interview with 103FM, he said: “We have had serious incidents at shuls, as well as at the Mercaz HaRav yeshivah. Unfortunately, and this is particularly difficult for me as a Jew as well — but it’s impossible to hermetically secure every shul. Therefore, I am appealing to the public: There are far more firearms in civilian hands today than there were in the past. Shul leaders should make sure that armed people come. This is the minimum; it rises to the level of pikuach nefesh.”
“The best solution is to take responsibility and understand that we are in a very sensitive security situation and that shuls are targets for terrorists who could carry out attacks. I think gun owners are the first line of defense for the mispallelim. That is the solution at the moment.”
Barbing was also asked about the “turning of the guns” scenario — a situation in which Palestinian police weapons are turned against Israelis.
“It needs to be addressed — and it is being addressed, by the military, the Shin Bet and other parties as well,” he said.
“That discussion should take place professionally and not make its way into the media, which the Palestinians also listen to. Merely discussing the issue publicly raises it again and creates tension.”
“The IDF and security forces are in control there and can reach any location at any time. Arrests are carried out every night, from the refugee camps in Jenin to the southern Chevron Hills. The IDF is deeply deployed in the territory and is operating there. That was not the case on October 7,” he emphasized.
“I’m not aware of any organized ‘turning of the guns.’ But it’s possible that a local incident could develop and chalilah, lead to a more serious escalation,” he said. “I know the IDF is prepared for such incidents as well, but it is an event that could develop unexpectedly.”
(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)
https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/2599912/former-senior-shin-bet-official-come-armed-to-shuls-on-yom-kippur.html
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