After Friday’s terror attack in the Southern Chevron Hills community of Bet Chaggai, regional leader Tzviki Bar-Chai turned to IDF Central District commander Major-General Gadi Shamni demanding that he order the return of weapons confiscated from area residents six months ago.

In response increasing incidents of IDF-issued automatic weapons stolen from residents’ homes, the order was given to collect hundreds of weapons, significantly impacting the ability of area residents to defend themselves in the event of attack. The military justified the move by explaining the order was given for fear the stolen guns are falling into the hands of terrorists.

Bar-Chai sent a letter to Defense Minister Ehud Barak and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi, calling for the return of the weapons in light of the recent alarming increase in hostile incidents and terror attacks against residents of yishuvim throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

Bar-Chai explains that while there are concerns the stolen weapons may fall into terrorist’s hands; these concerns may not be permitted to outweigh the reality that residents must be given the tools to defend themselves and their homes in case of attack.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)