Smotrich Proposes Emergency Measures After Lod Shooting Incident
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed illegal weapons in Lod following a shooting incident, citing Shin Bet data and proposing emergency legislation and administrative detentions.
Gunfire disrupted a residents' conference hosted by the "Religious Zionism" party in Lod on Saturday evening, attended by hundreds of citizens alongside party leader and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Following the incident, Smotrich addressed the phenomenon of illegal weapons in the Arab sector and outlined a new security plan.
Illegal Weapons Threat
Citing data provided by the Shin Bet, Smotrich stated that over one million illegal weapons are currently present in the Arab sector. "This should not only concern the residents of Lod, but every citizen of the State of Israel," he declared. He warned that criminal elements could easily transform into nationalist threats during emergencies, posing a severe national security risk.
"One million weapons in the Arab home front of Israeli citizens, according to data given to me by the Shin Bet, is a threat to national security," Smotrich said.
Draconian Enforcement Measures
Smotrich announced plans to promote emergency legislation that would classify illegal weapons possession as a terrorist offense, incorporate the Shin Bet into internal enforcement, and introduce administrative detentions and minimum mandatory sentences. The proposed framework also includes strict economic measures against organized crime and coordinated law enforcement efforts to dismantle illicit networks.
