Police Urge Licensed Civilians to Carry Firearms to Shul During Yom Tov Season

Israel Police’s Head of Operations Major General Sigal Bar-Tzvi on Monday provided an update to the senior police command staff regarding preparations for the Yamim Tovim in Tishrei, with a particular focus on Yom Kippur.

During her briefing, Bar-Tzvi emphasized an increase in warnings about potential terrorist attacks, a common occurrence in the lead-up to the chagim. She stated, “As is customary every year before the Tishrei chagim, we have heightened the alert level in specific areas across the country, especially in cities like Yerushalayim, Tel Aviv, and places of worship.

“In the weeks preceding the Tishrei chagim, we noticed an uptick in warnings. In response, the Israel Police, in collaboration with other national emergency organizations, is conducting joint situational assessments to determine the necessary level of preparedness.”

Bar-Tzvi also addressed the surge in incitement to commit acts of terrorism in anticipation of the chagim season, highlighting that “Israel Police holds daily joint meetings with various security agencies, including the Shin Bet and IDF.”

“The increased number of warnings, coupled with rising incitement to terrorism ahead of the Tishrei chagim, prompted us to take special precautions. Thousands of police officers, Border Police officers, and volunteers have been deployed across the country daily to prevent hostile incidents and ensure the safety of places of worship, and the general public throughout the chagim period.

“We urge individuals who possess firearms and are proficient in their use, when necessary, to carry their weapons during these days.”