Posted on 03/06/2002 7:11:14 AM PST by veronica
The government is taking immediate steps to put more licensed handguns on the streets in the hope of citizens being in the “right place at the right time” to prevent terror attacks. Senior police officials have acknowledged that in several cases of late, citizens prevented continuing bloodshed by using their licensed weapons against terrorists.
The army will be issuing handgun permits to 40,000 reserve duty officers of the rank of captain and above. Permit will also be granted to former combatants from commando units, and retired police and Prison Authority officers.
Officials estimate the actions could result in an additional 60,000 handguns on the streets nationwide.
Police Chief Shlomo Aharonishki acknowledged that citizens have taken the initiative and brought terror attack to a halt, but he added, he remains concerned over a situation in which citizens with licensed weapons may be “too light on the trigger”.
Ministry of the Interior officials report that since the start of the Oslo War on Sept. 29, 2000, there has been an 80% increase in the number of licensed handguns nationwide, pointing out that in 2001, 4,588 permits were issued as opposed to 2,550 in 2000. Ministry officials add there are currently 340,000 licensed handguns nationwide, 265,000 of which are issued to private individuals.
Yes including me. Now that I'm here I wish they'd stop coming in and crowding the place. Except for Lazamataz who's always welcome.
At least SOME states get it right. My application is in for a CCW license here in Florida. One more good reason why I'll never live in NY again, even though I was born there. There is a reason the Second Amendment was written, and the Israelis seem to have realised it, too.
The Mishmar Israchi Police reserve discussed in the SOF article aren't quiter the same thing as the Civil Guard, who also often use the M1 carbine, though the older Uzi and bolt action rifles are also seen as well. Rather than patrol the streets, the Guardians stand watch over schools, hospitals, and other places that might otherwise make for a tempting target for terrorists. Many of those are old soldiers, invalided out of the Army for health reasons or age, and some are carrying the same weapon with which they defeated Israel's enemies in the last three or four wars, which they most certainly know how to use. The Mishmar Esrachi are indeed often seen carrying the .30 U.S. carbine, but also becoming more common is the Israeli Magul police version of the Galil infantry assault rifle, rebarrelled to the common .30 carbine caliber and using a 30-round magazine interchangable with that of the older M1s.
No matter. Either will do the job, if that's what's in the hands when needed.
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