Non-stop fire from 6:29 AM: This is what the holiday morning looked like for residents of the northern Negev

Residents of the northern Negev report heavy and prolonged gunfire from the Rahat area, which began at 6:29 AM and reminded them of October 7. The shooting lasted about four hours; residents contacted the police, who claimed the source of the fire was not located. Residents of Giv'ot Bar threaten to establish an independent force to locate the shooters. The police reported arrests.

Residents of the northern Negev, primarily from the community of Giv'ot Bar near Rahat, reported heavy and prolonged gunfire that began at 6:29 AM on the holiday (Saturday) and lasted about four hours. The shooting, from small arms and machine guns, was clearly heard in surrounding communities and evoked harsh feelings reminiscent, in their words, of October 7. Residents repeatedly called the 100 emergency hotline but were told that patrol cars had been dispatched but the source of the fire was not located. The community manager, Billy, described an impossible reality and a lack of authority to activate the emergency response team, and announced an intention to establish an independent response force to locate the source of the shooting. The police reported that two suspects were arrested that same morning, and an additional three suspects were arrested in recent days, with weapons including pistols, an M16, and magazines seized. Police activity in the area continues.