Licensed gun owners should carry their weapons when attending synagogue on Yom Kippur, Arik Barbing, a former head of the Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency)’s Jerusalem and West Bank district and former head of the agency’s cyber division, told 103FM on Wednesday.
“We have had serious incidents at synagogues and also at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, unfortunately, and it is very difficult, especially for me as a Jew, but it is impossible to provide airtight security for every synagogue,” Barbing warned.
“Therefore, I am appealing to the public: There are many more weapons in civilian hands now than there were in the past. Synagogue leaders should make sure that armed people come. This is the minimum. It is a matter of saving lives. The best solution is responsibility and an understanding that we are in a very sensitive security situation, and that synagogues are targets for terrorists who may carry out attacks. I think gun owners are the first line of defense for those worshipers. That is the solution at the moment.”
Barbing was also asked about the possibility of a “turning of the guns,” a scenario in which weapons held by Palestinian police are turned against Israelis.
“It needs to be addressed, and it is being addressed, by the military, the Shin Bet, and additional bodies,” he said, stating that he believed preparations for such a scenario should be conducted discreetly.
“That discussion should take place professionally and should not reach the media, which the Palestinians also listen to. Merely discussing the issue publicly brings it back to the forefront and creates tension.”
In any event, Barbing said the security reality in the West Bank is fundamentally different from the situation that existed on the eve of October 7.
“The IDF and the security forces are in control there and can reach any point at any time. Arrests are carried out every night, from the refugee camps in Jenin to the South Hebron Hills. The IDF is operating deep inside the territory, and there is activity there. That was not the case on October 7,” he said.
“I am not familiar with any organized turning of the guns. But what could happen? A local incident could develop and, as a result, escalate into something much more serious. I know that the IDF is prepared for incidents like these as well, but it is an event that could develop by surprise.”
Later on Thursday, Israel Police Commissioner Daniel Levy ordered the reinforcement of forces today ahead of Yom Kippur, directing that thousands of officers and Border Police troops be deployed near synagogues, at sensitive locations, and in areas where there is a risk of friction.
The police emphasized that, at this stage, they have no concrete information or indication of intent to carry out attacks during the holiday.