The diplomatic-security cabinet convened on Wednesday night amid a recent wave of terror attacks in the cities of Bnei Brak, Hadera, and Beersheba to discuss the necessary steps in the war on terror and how best to curb the current wave.
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On Tuesday, a Palestinian gunman shot and killed five people in Bnei Brak shortly before being neutralized by police officers. He was later identified as 27-year-old Diaa Hamarsheh, from the Arab village of Ya'bad.
After the meeting, the ministers said security mistakes had been made and that there was a need to reduce the level of incitement. Similar to 2015, the ministers decided that every member of a terrorist's clan would be stripped of their work permits. Ministers criticized the Shin Bet security agency's errors, which allowed the attacks to take place. Israel Security Agency Director Ronen Bar said in response that "it's not possible to monitor everyone who was in an Israeli jail and was released after serving their sentence."
It was noted during the meeting that the recent attacks were of the "lone-wolf" variety without the backing of a terrorist organization, unlike the situation on the eve of Operation Defensive Shield during the Second Intifada in 2002.
Also discussed was the police operation to collect illegal firearms in the Arab sector, which officials said was not making sufficient progress due to bureaucratic obstacles.
Meanwhile, following a situational assessment in the IDF's Judea and Samaria Division, it was decided that combat soldiers, including from the battalions called up as reinforcements, would not be allowed on leave.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is currently in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus, urged the Israeli public to remain strong.
"Citizens of Israel, we are currently experiencing a wave of murderous terrorism and, just like in all the previous waves, we will prevail, together," he said in a video statement.
"This is neither our first nor our second wave of terrorism. We have experience with struggle. Israeli society, when it is tested, knows how to show composure, remain resilient and rise to the occasion. We cannot be broken."
He also called on licensed Israeli gun owners to arm themselves in public as he detailed various measures being taken in the wake of the three deadly terror attacks over the past week.
"Citizens of Israel, we are currently experiencing a wave of murderous terrorism," he said.
"What is expected of you, citizens of Israel? Alertness and responsibility. Open your eyes. Whoever has a license to carry a weapon, this is the time to carry it.
"The IDF, the Shin Bet and the Israel Police have significantly increased their intelligence operations in order to reach, in a timely manner, those who are planning to carry out attacks," he said. "We have also reinforced the presence throughout the country of those in uniform and those carrying weapons."
He added that the Israel Police has transitioned to an emergency footing and that the IDF will reinforce police units "with 15 companies of our best soldiers."
Other reinforcements to law enforcement include a new response unit of police motorcycles, the type of unit that eliminated the terrorist in Bnei Brak on Tuesday, he noted.
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The Border Police will be reinforced with three additional companies as well, including one positioned near the Gaza Strip.
The IDF in Judea and Samaria and along the Green Line has been reinforced with "a very considerable force" of 15 battalions Bennett noted.
"As of now, our forces have carried out more than 200 investigation or arrest operations. The home of the terrorist in Ya'abad has already been mapped for demolition and we are working to demolish it as soon as possible in order to create deterrence," he said.
"There is no limit on resources" that should go toward tackling terrorism, Bennett stated.
He said most soldiers in mandatory, career, and reserve service will carry their weapons home when on leave from base, which is usually optional or not allowed by most units.
