Israel distributes over 100,000 assault rifles as settler attacks hit record levels

The Israeli government announced on Tuesday that it has transferred more than 100,000 assault rifles to civilian residents in response to a surge in attacks by extremist settlers, which officials say have reached a historic high. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the distribution as part of a broader security initiative aimed at bolstering self‑defense capabilities in communities that have experienced repeated incidents of violence, vandalism and intimidation over the past year.

The rifles, sourced from existing stockpiles, will be allocated to residents in designated high‑risk areas after background checks and mandatory training courses conducted by the Israel Police. Authorities emphasized that the program is intended to deter further aggression and protect civilians while noting that it will be monitored for compliance with existing firearms regulations. The move follows calls from local leaders for stronger protective measures and comes amid ongoing debates over the balance between security needs and civilian armament.