Jezreel Valley Residents Complain of Constant Nightly Gunfire

Residents of the Jezreel Valley in northern Israel are reporting persistent automatic gunfire nightly, accusing the state of failing to address the issue. Residents from Givat Ela and Alonei HaShachar describe hearing loud, continuous shooting that lasts for several nights in a row, dismissing possibilities like hunting due to the intensity and frequency.

Local council officials confirm the problem is long-standing, with the head of security estimating around 500 to 600 resident complaints annually. The council has instructed residents to report incidents to the police, but security officials argue that simply sending patrol cars is insufficient. They advocate for more active intervention by specialized police units to tackle the problem effectively.

The council believes some of the gunfire is for testing illegal weapons before criminal use, with weapons potentially hidden in nearby forests. While joint operations with border police do result in some weapon seizures, officials state these efforts do not resolve the underlying issue or the residents' sense of insecurity.

The Regional Council of the Jezreel Valley criticized the National Security Ministry, stating it offers "answers in words, less in enforcement on the ground." They called for the ministry to provide the Israel Police with the necessary resources to restore security. The council also noted that while Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir previously supported community security teams, it was "a drop in the ocean."

The Israel Police stated that officers and border police are actively working to combat illegal weapons and gunfire in the Northern District, citing over 600 weapons seized and dozens of indictments filed this year as evidence of their efforts. However, the National Security Ministry responded by suggesting the council head's criticism was politically motivated, pointing to past communications where she allegedly praised Minister Ben-Gvir's actions and the ministry's work.