Israel-Hamas Conflict: On Wednesday, Israel's Minister for National Security and Police, Itamar Ben-Gvir warned against a possible brawl between the Arab and Jewish population of the country amid the ongoing Gaza war. He reiterated his resolve to arm licenced citizens. Notably, the country's majority, Jews constitute around 71 lakh of the total population while the Arab minority comprises 20 lakh.
Also Read: Israel To Arm Civilians, Simplifies Gun Licensing Rules Amid War With Hamas
Ben-Gvir also instructed the police chief to prepare for a 'Guardian of the Walls version two' scenario, which he said is looming over Israel.
"I instructed the chief of police to prepare for a 'Guardian of the Walls 2' scenario, which I think is looming," National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir told reporters.
Operation Guardian of the Walls, the Israeli term for the 2021 Gaza war, triggered at times violent pro-Palestinian demonstrations among Arab citizens. The operation 'Guardian of the Walls' was started by Israeli defence forces in 2021 when in a similar attack Hamas launched a barrage of rockets towards Israel.
The ensuing conflict between Israel and Hamas went on for 14 days ending with a ceasefire from both sides. During the tumultuous ordeal, violent protests and riots erupted in the Al Aqsa area, West Bank, Lod and at the Israeli-Lebanese border. The bloody violence saw at least a dozen protester deaths around these sites.
Also Read: 1,500 Hamas Militants Found Dead Around Gaza Strip After Israel's Counteroffensive
Earlier, Ben Gvir directed the arms licensing department on Monday to make extraordinary measures to provide guns and bullets to the citizens. Following this, the department issued a new and relaxed set of rules which will facilitate the operation. Gvir also thanked the department for its swift action on the matter."I thank the staff of the Firearm Licensing Department, the civilian service unit in the Israel Police, and the Health Ministry staff for their important undertaking which will allow as many civilians as possible to be armed and to defend themselves and their surroundings should the need arise," Israel's official website quoted him as saying.