Against the background of the two shooting attacks this weekend in Jerusalem, this evening (Saturday) Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gabir issued a statement to the media from the “Shaari Tzedek” hospital, where he visited the woman who was injured last night in an attack near the synagogue in the Neve Ya’akov neighborhood in Jerusalem, where the injured from the attack that occurred this morning are also hospitalized in the city of David. Ben Gvir claimed that he demanded to seal the home of the terrorist from the attack that happened last night, but the government’s legal advisor Gali Beharve-Miara did not allow this.
Terror attack in Jerusalem: at least seven were murdered in a combined attack near a synagogue
An event follows an event: two were seriously injured in a shooting attack in the city of David
On behalf of the ombudsman, it was stated in response that “the publication about the request of Minister Ben Gabir that was rejected by the consultant is not true. As was made clear to Minister Ben Gabir by the professionals in the security authorities and the Ministry of Justice, action decisions of the political level must be supported by a factual infrastructure, and he must present it. Accordingly, just an hour ago, the completion of the security opinions was delivered to the legal advisor to the government, and these are currently being reviewed. The legal adviser to the government will refer to all issues that arise in the cabinet. The legal advisor to the government will do everything possible to provide legal tools that will enable the implementation of the policy of the political level.”
In his statement, the minister said that “already on the ground in those minutes, it was clear that action had to be taken. I came to the Prime Minister with two High Courts that I know that the house could be sealed, that very night the Prime Minister agreed on the spot, we scheduled a discussion with the head of the Shin Bet, the General Staff” L, the commissioner, all the security officials and with Tzachi Hanegavi, the head of the National Security Council.
The minister also said that “we held a night discussion and made a decision to seal the house on the spot – something they did not do in the previous attacks, the message is very clear. I worked all night, I was in contact with the Shin Bet and they gave a clear opinion, the Chief of Staff was also in favor, The commissioner and the commander of the Jerusalem district were also in favor, and brought everything that needed to be brought.”
“These things landed on the ombudsman’s desk at 08:00 in the morning, I expected that an hour later we would have permission to seal the house, it’s not demolition, it’s not something final, it’s something that can be reversed if the High Court thinks otherwise, but sealing the house in place. To my astonishment, the ombudsman until this moment does not allow us to seal the house. In my eyes it’s terrible, it can’t be. It is to harm not only me, not only the government, but the citizens of the State of Israel. She said ‘we’re checking it legally’, I’m a lawyer. I brought the High Courts, there are decisions by the High Court that the house can be sealed on the spot,” added Ben Gvir.
He also said that “Beyond the issue of sealing, there are a series of steps that I asked to take and I hope that they will not encounter difficulties. Demolition of houses – to my astonishment there are dozens of houses in East Jerusalem that have not yet been demolished and they can be demolished. I have instructed the police in the coming days to demolish the illegal houses.”
“There is the issue of weapons – I want weapons on the streets – I want the citizens of Israel to be able to defend themselves. We saw this in today’s event – when citizens have weapons they can defend themselves, and that is why I directed the ministry and will move up in the cabinet, to allow us to give weapons to citizens who want and are suitable Ben Gvir added.
Later, the minister spoke about the death penalty law for terrorists, saying that he is “requesting an exemption from the duty of discount for this. I want to pass this law. In my opinion, it is appropriate and necessary.”
After that he said that the reform in the police should be implemented, and “one hour earlier is fine”. He added that “a national guard should be established as early as tomorrow morning and I am asking for the assistance of the Minister of Finance and Prime Minister to allow me to receive standards already.”
He then praised the Israel Police “the heroes who acted bravely and shot the terrorist” as well as the activity of the IMM, “which killed nine terrorists”.
“I also support the police officers who acted, as well as our fighters,” the minister added. Minutes. There is no reason in the world to delay the petition. The Prime Minister agreed with me to also seal the second terrorist’s house in the city of David. I am asking Gali (Bharb-Miara) to sign and confirm the sealing tonight. The commander of the Jerusalem district told me, ‘If she doesn’t approve, I’m leaving.'”
The IDF will strengthen the Yosh Division
Shaari Zedek Hospital reported earlier that one injured person from the attack in Neve Ya’akov remained at the medical facility. The injured, 65 years old, is hospitalized and her condition is moderate.
It was also reported that as for the injured from the attack in the city of David – a 22-year-old man is still hospitalized in a serious but stable condition who is sedated and ventilated in the intensive care unit, and a 47-year-old man in moderate and stable condition.
In the meantime, Defense Minister Yoav Galant will conduct a special situation assessment in the next hour with the participation of Chief of Staff Hartzi Halevi, Shin Bet Chief Ronan Bar, Director General of the Ministry of Defense and other security officials.
Currently and according to the IDF’s assessment of the situation, three battalions are being reinforced in the Judea and Samaria Division.
Earlier, President Yitzhak Herzog referred to the attacks that took place in Jerusalem: “My heart breaks in the face of the terrible attacks that took place during Shabbat in Jerusalem,” said Herzog. “We lost seven innocent civilians in a murderous terrorist attack, those who only accepted Shabbat al-Malka in the bosom of family and community. May their memory be blessed.”
The president added that “this morning in the synagogue, when the cantor recited the prayer ‘God is full of mercy’, for the uplifting of the souls of those murdered in the attack, there was not a single dry eye left among the worshipers, and I was among them. Everyone’s hearts were moved together. The terrible attacks remind us again of a simple and painful truth: Whatever the differences between us, in the face of our enemies, who seek our harm and rise up to kill us – we must maintain our unity. We strengthen and trust the security forces that operate day and night in the face of terrorism. I call on everyone to be vigilant and responsible these days. I wish a speedy recovery to the wounded and mourn with the families of the murdered “.