Authorities reported on Sunday that Israel has armed hundreds of volunteer security squads in preparation for potential Jewish-Arab unrest.
Arab Israelis, who make up 21% of the country’s population, occasionally engaged in violent pro-Palestinian demonstrations during the last Gaza war in 2021.
The current war and the escalation of hostilities along the Lebanese border and in the occupied West Bank have strained already tense interethnic relations in Israel.
On the basis of social media posts, dozens of Arab Israeli citizens have been arrested on suspicion of incitement and support for Hamas. Some defense attorneys for the detained have described the measures as illegal and an attempt to stifle war criticism.
Israel’s police chief, Inspector-General Kobi Shabtai, said, “There is a dialogue with the (Arab) leadership, and we are ready for any scenario.”
Commissioner of Police Itamar Ben-Gvir has predicted that this conflict could lead to a recurrence of the unrest of 2021 and has ordered a relaxation of restrictions on the issuance of gun licenses to private citizens. The majority of Arabs are exempt from serving in the Israeli military, which is a requirement for these positions.
Ben-Givir informed legislators that 20,000 firearms had been ordered for distribution to such squads, with an additional 20,000 to follow. He also stated that volunteers would be issued flak jackets and helmets. He did not specify the type of firearm involved. Ben-Gvir has posted a video of himself distributing M-16 or M-4 assault rifles on the Internet.
The establishment of volunteer security squads to patrol the streets and assist the police is an additional measure. Since October 7, 527 such squads have been set up, according to Shabtai. He added that security squads would be subordinate to the police.
