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'Israel' convinces US that arming settlers is legitimate: Report

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Website
29 Oct 2023 09:13
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Pictures of the Israeli Security Minister distributing firearms to settlers has triggered a shortlived diplomatic crisis with the US.

Israeli settlers stand near the outpost of "Eviatar" in the West Bank, Monday, April 10, 2023. (AP)

Israeli Occupation Police Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, was documented to be distributing firearms to Israeli settlers in various settlements as part of a political tour he was conducting, Haaretz newspaper reported.

The blatant attempt at militarizing "civilian" settlers --especially in settlements that host extremist right-wing groups-- has sparked criticism in US diplomatic circles.

The US administration consequently warned that they would not supply "Israel" with light weaponry if they were being distributed to civilians at political events. The administration also threatened to halt an order of 20,000 rifles requested by Ben-Gvir's Police Ministry.

According to the Haaretz report, this resulted in a short-lived diplomatic crisis between the two.

The crisis was then quickly resolved by "Israel" making an official commitment to the US that weapons would only be distributed by the Israeli Police or the IOF while politicians would be allowed to supervise.

For the 23rd day in a row, the Israeli occupation continues to brutally and savagely bombard #Gaza and its civilians, amid the humanitarian crisis that unfolded as a result of the aggression on the Strip.#GazaGenocide #GazaUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/1o1KdcfAG8
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 29, 2023

'Community security squads'

Israeli officials reportedly explained that armed settlers serve as "community security squads" that are seen as an auxiliary force complimenting the Israeli police.

Consequently, the Israeli Police Ministry was instructed to be careful about how it documents the distribution of weapons to the "community security squads".

Additionally, the "community security squads" will reportedly also be asked to wear colored operational vests.

More than 700 new "community security squads" were established since October 7th, and it is estimated that more than 5,000 rifles have been distributed so far.

Back on October 9th, The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) announced the summoning of 300,000 reserve forces, "in the largest operation ever of its kind."

On Friday night, the Israeli army attempted to enter the Gaza Strip from several fronts, including al-Bureij, Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and north of Khan Yunis.