Israeli police deploy snipers on rooftops in Rahat to counter gunfire

Israeli police deployed snipers on rooftops in the Bedouin city of Rahat to neutralize armed individuals following weeks of continuous gunfire. Residents complained about lack of governance.

Police placed snipers on rooftops in Rahat overnight (Friday), following continuous gunfire in the area in recent weeks. The move was not part of a police operation. According to police: "Armed individuals who fire will be neutralized." About a week and a half ago, massive gunfire was heard for hours in the city during daylight, and residents have repeatedly complained about the lack of governance in the city. A Rahat resident told Kan News: "Whenever there are conflicts, there is gunfire. The police need to stop this, come, calm things down. If the police and the sheikhs get involved, maybe they will stop the shooting." Another resident complained: "If they want to take someone out in the territories, they take him out within 24 hours." About a month ago, Musa Yosef al-Jabour, 26, was shot dead in Rahat. According to suspicion, the act was carried out against the backdrop of a family feud, and the motive is criminal.