Ben-Gvir from Jerusalem: We will continue to tighten the noose on prisoners and expand the arming of settlers
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made a televised statement from Salah al-Din Street near Jerusalem's Old City. During his speech, he reaffirmed his dedication to pursuing his controversial policies and actions in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and prisons.
Ben-Gvir was accompanied on his tour by a substantial presence of Israeli police, including different units and senior officers, along with special security teams. They were stationed across Salah al-Din and Sultan Suleiman Streets and nearby areas, with multiple roads closed and traffic redirected, especially on Salah al-Din Street.
Ben-Gvir started his statement by expressing gratitude to the Israeli police, the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the Israel Prison Service, and his security team, commending their role in preventing what he called an assassination attempt.
He stressed that he will persist with his so-called "strict policy" against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, emphasizing that any assassination attempt "will not deter" him from this course. Additionally, he announced plans to expand and streamline the process of issuing gun licenses and to further develop the so-called "rapid response teams" or "emergency teams" for settlers.
He also stated that demolition of homes and structures deemed "unlicensed" by the occupation authorities will proceed, especially in the Negev region.
Ben-Gvir ended his statement by saying he was "not afraid" and would carry on with his agenda and policies "without any retreat."
