Full Breakdown
Former Shin Bet Official Urges Armed Civilians at Synagogues Amid Heightened Threats
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Appeal: Armed Civilians as First Line of Defense
Arik Barbing, a former head of the Shin Bet’s Jerusalem and West Bank district and former chief of its cyber division, told 103 FM that licensed gun owners should carry their weapons when attending synagogue on Yom Kippur. Barbing framed this as “the minimum” needed to protect worshippers, describing civilian gun owners as “the first line of defense” against terrorist attacks on places of worship.
Security Context and Recent Incidents
Barbing cited serious incidents that have occurred at synagogues and at the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, noting the difficulty of providing “airtight security for every synagogue.” In his view, the proliferation of civilian-held firearms offers a practical supplement to limited police resources.
West Bank Security Assessment
Addressing the broader regional picture, Barbing said the security reality in the West Bank is fundamentally different from the situation on the eve of the scheduled date of October 7. He explained that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and other security forces now operate “deep inside the territory,” conducting nightly arrests across refugee camps in Jenin and the South Hebron Hills, a capability that was not present on that earlier date.
Official Statements & Responses
When asked about the possibility of a “turning of the guns” – where weapons held by Palestinian police might be used against Israelis – Barbing said the scenario is being examined by the military, the Shin Bet and other bodies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Arik Barbing