Israeli Police and PM's Security Detail Point Weapons at Civilians
Images posted on the Haifa Police's social media accounts in September 2026, showing officers aiming their weapons at roads, cars, and uninvolved citizens, have raised concerns. The posts claimed the "sharpshooter teams deployed at key points throughout Haifa, operating openly and covertly to locate, prevent, and thwart criminal activity in real-time" to "ensure the peace and security of residents." Similar photos were posted in July 2026, stating the activity was "under the direction of the Coastal District Commander and the Carmel Subdistrict Commander" as part of a policy to "increase governance, strengthen public security, and maintain public order." The article argues that without reasonable suspicion of a crime or a concrete threat, police should not point their weapons at urban residents.
This issue extends beyond Haifa. In August 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security detail was filmed drawing a long weapon and aiming it at an unspecified target during a convoy movement in Tel Aviv. In a separate incident on August 24, 2026, security personnel with drawn weapons reportedly demanded beachgoers evacuate so Netanyahu could film a statement about the Altalena shipwreck discovery. The Shin Bet stated the guards acted "in accordance with procedures and their legal authorities."
The article also draws parallels to incidents in the West Bank, citing a report from August 15, 2026, where a settler allegedly fired into the air and pointed a loaded weapon at left-wing activists and Palestinians near Bethlehem. The military confirmed an investigation into the settler's identity, noting the weapon appeared to be military or police issue.
Further illustrating the problem, during an independent Pride Parade in Haifa on June 25, 2026, a Border Police officer was observed aiming the optical sight of his "Arad" rifle directly at the procession, and reportedly at the author. The author questioned whether this action aligned with procedures, especially given past incidents of accidental shootings and mishandling of weapons by security forces, including a 2019 incident where a security guard for the Prime Minister's family was lightly injured by a negligent discharge. The article concludes by urging police, particularly in Haifa, not to point weapons at civilians, referencing a Hebrew proverb that "with God's will, even a broomstick shoots."
