Arab Mayor Warns Half a Million Illegal Guns Could Spill Into Jewish Communities

Kafr Qara Mayor and lawyer Firas Badahi warned of rampant civilian terror and unchecked violence within the Arab community in Israel, highlighting the failure of security forces and government to act effectively. Speaking to ynet on Tuesday, Badahi emphasized the danger posed by approximately 500,000 illegal firearms circulating among Arab citizens, cautioning that these weapons are likely to leak into Jewish settlements. He described the Arab population as feeling like second-class citizens, ignored by both the state and security agencies.

The warning comes amid a surge in violent incidents, including the recent murders of Hussein Issa, a man in his twenties from Silwan in East Jerusalem, and Adnan Riyahna from Yafia near Nazareth. Badahi criticized the government’s silence on these killings, calling it a disgrace and a clear message of neglect toward the Arab community.

Former police commissioner Asaf Hefetz also spoke to ynet, advocating for stronger police powers such as administrative detentions similar to those used by the Shin Bet to combat the escalating violence. Hefetz argued that while traditional law enforcement methods should continue, extraordinary tools are necessary to address the crisis. He downplayed the role of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as the sole cause of the violence, stating that replacing him would not solve the problem.

Badahi recounted a conversation with a police district commander who claimed he could eradicate the violence if given sufficient resources and legislative support. However, the commander lamented that courts often release suspects due to lack of evidence. Badahi concluded that the problem stems from police inefficiency, the Justice Ministry’s reluctance to update laws, and the government’s failure to develop a comprehensive plan to combat crime and violence in the Arab sector.