RAMALLAH, Sunday, July 9, 2023 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers who shoot Palestinians on suspicion of carrying out attacks on Israeli targets will no longer have their weapons confiscated by police, hard-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced last night.

The new policy change is intended to encourage settlers to bear arms and use them, according to Israeli Channel 12, as part of Ben-Gvir’s larger efforts to ensure a greater number of armed Israelis on the streets who are ready to kill Palestinians.

Previously, Israeli settlers who shot Palestinians would have their weapons confiscated by police at the scene as a precaution.

The policy change also means that in the event that a suspected attack occurs and an Israeli settler shoots the attacker, the weapon will not be confiscated. The decision to implement this new policy was agreed by both the police and the minister.

Though the change in procedures is intended to encourage settlers not to hesitate to act in case of an attack, the Israeli network noted that there are concerns it could also loosen trigger fingers.

M.N