An entire region in Israel lives in the Wild West: "Traders test weapons and disappear before the police arrive"

Residents of the Negev are suffering from relentless gunfire by arms dealers testing weapons for potential buyers, across a vast area including Rahat, Tel Sheva, Omer, Retamim, Nevatim, and Giv'ot Bar. Rahat Mayor Talal al-Qirnawi said the shooting stems not from brawls but from arms dealers, and that the police are handling it. A resident of Nevatim reported an increase in the intensity and frequency of the shooting over the past year, including during daylight hours, and a feeling that efforts are 'a drop in the ocean'. A Bedouin resident described a sense of insecurity and fear for children. Al-Qirnawi called for the establishment of a permanent command center in Rahat and noted a decrease of more than 40% in shooting in the city since the beginning of the year, but added that the shooting returns when the police leave. Bnei Shimon Regional Council head Nir Zamir and Omer Mayor Erez Badash condemned the shooting, with Badash linking the phenomenon to extremism and arms smuggling. The police stated that they are operating and have seen a decrease in the scope of incidents.