The phenomenon of protection continues to harm business owners: Adiel Pratuk, owner of the tool store, returned from vacation and discovered signs at the entrance to the business demanding protection money. Adiel did not remain silent and posted a video on Facebook in which he asked to cry out the outcry of the business owners and demanded that National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir allow him to carry a gun.
Adiel Fartok found a bottle of gasoline, bullet casings and red X marks on his car on the doorstep of his Safed business – the usual signs for demanding protection money. A video posted by Fartok from the store's security cameras shows two masked men entering the store's compound.
Business owner from the north in the video: "I will not pay protection, whoever endangers my safety will murder him" Photo: Pine Tree Facebook page
But instead of giving in to the demand, he chose to spread the word on his business Facebook page. "Anyone who comes to my house should think twice. I don't need sponsorship from anyone and I won't pay. I'm here planning for a night stay. It's a blow to the economy. This is my home," he said, demanding that the minister give him a weapon for self-defense immediately.
Despite the operation carried out in recent weeks, which included between permitting activity in the village of Tuba Zangaria, the phenomenon of protection continues. For example, just yesterday (Saturday) a number of boats were set on fire at an anchorage in the Sea of Galilee. It has also recently been reported that most contractors in the northern region pay protection fees to criminals.
Minister Ben-Gvir (Archive), photo: Oren Ben Hakon
Following the video, the Minister of National Security contacted Fartok and instructed him on how to quickly obtain a license to carry weapons. After the conversation, Pratuk said: "I'm not willing to pay protection. There are other businesses that are silent. I spoke to the police, and they told me they were taking care of them. I hope they do something. Minister Ben-Gvir called me and said he was working and had given a few points to get a weapons license."
The National Security Minister's reform to ease the conditions for issuing a license to carry weapons was first published in Israel Hayom. According to the plan, every holder of a combat certificate, soldiers of settlement meetings and MDA volunteers will be able to obtain a license to carry a firearm without the need for additional criteria. According to the Ministry of National Security, the reform will lead to another 30,<> people carrying a rifle or a pistol.
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