Former Shin Bet official warns Israelis to bring weapons to synagogues during Yom Kippur prayers

Arik Barbing, former head of the Shin Bet's Jerusalem and West Bank district, urged licensed gun owners to carry weapons to synagogue on Yom Kippur, citing the impossibility of securing every place of worship. He described gun owners as 'the first line of defense' and addressed concerns about a potential 'turning of the guns' by Palestinian police, emphasizing that such discussions should remain discreet to avoid public tension.

Arik Barbing, a former head of the Shin Bet's Jerusalem and West Bank district and former head of the agency's cyber division, warned that licensed gun owners should carry their weapons when attending synagogue on Yom Kippur. Speaking to 103FM on Wednesday, Barbing cited serious past incidents at synagogues and the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, stating it is impossible to provide airtight security for every synagogue. He appealed to synagogue leaders to ensure armed people attend, calling gun owners "the first line of defense" for worshipers and framing the measure as a matter of saving lives. Barbing also addressed the possibility of a "turning of the guns" scenario, in which weapons held by Palestinian police are turned against Israelis. He said the issue is being addressed by the military and Shin Bet, and that such discussions should be conducted discreetly and not reach the media, as public discussion creates tension. He noted that the security reality in the West Bank is fundamentally different from the situation before October 7, with the IDF in control and conducting nightly arrests. Barbing said he is not familiar with any organized turning of the guns, but warned that a local incident could escalate into something more serious.