The tragedy at Umpqua Community College has re-galvanized gun control advocates’ efforts to re-write the Constitution, yet, at the same time, leaders in one of America’s greatest allies are literally trying to put more guns on the streets.
Nir Barkat, the Mayor of Jerusalem, urged licensed citizens Thursday to start carrying their firearms in an effort to “increase the likelihood of fast intervention” in times of crisis. (RELATED: Clinton Threatens Executive Action On Gun Control)
“One advantage that Israel has is that there are quite a few ex-members of military units with operational combat experience,” said Barkat. “Possessing weapons increases the confidence of residents, who know that in addition to police there are many people who are not afraid to intervene.” (VIDEO: Obama Says GOP, NRA Don’t Represent Majority Of Americans)
“If we look at the statistics in Jerusalem and elsewhere, we see that aside from the police, civilians carrying weapons have foiled terror attacks,” added the Israeli Defense Forces veteran. “They will increase the likelihood of fast intervention.”
Barkat isn’t the only Israeli leader to publicly urge citizens to legally carry. On Wednesday, Chief Superintendant Noam Shekel — the chief of police in Israel’s city of Ashdod — urged citizens Wednesday to bring firearms with them every time they leave their homes.
[h/t: Middle East Eye]