Negev Residents Threaten Independent Force After Hours of Unchecked Gunfire
Residents of Givot Bar in the northern Negev reported hours of heavy automatic gunfire originating from Rahat, evoking memories of October 7 and threatening to form an independent security force.
Residents of the northern Negev reported heavy and continuous gunfire originating from the Rahat area early Saturday morning. Residents of Givot Bar, a community adjacent to the Bedouin city, stated that intense automatic gunfire and machine gun bursts began at 06:29, evoking memories of the October 7 attacks.
Local residents contacted the Israel Police repeatedly, but the source of the gunfire remained unlocated for hours. Following the incident, community representatives threatened to establish an independent local security force if law enforcement fails to restore order and address the ongoing security concerns.
Gunfire Parallels October 7
According to locals, the shooting began during the night and intensified significantly at 06:29, the exact time the Hamas assault commenced on October 7, 2023. Residents described waking up to intense automatic weapons fire that lasted for four consecutive hours, leaving them feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
The reality we have experienced lately has become impossible. These were heavy bursts of automatic weapons that sounded like an infiltration into the community, said Billy, the community manager of Givot Bar.
Police Response and Community Ultimatum
Police reported that two suspects were detained for questioning on Saturday morning, while three additional suspects were arrested in recent days alongside the seizure of handguns, M16 rifles, and ammunition magazines. Officers from the Rahat police station continue their operational activities in the sector.
