Thursday's terrorist attack in Jerusalem further exemplifies why handing out guns is important, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir claimed at the scene shortly after the attack.
"Despite the criticism from various people, I will continue with my policy of distributing weapons everywhere, both to emergency response teams and civilians," he said. "Guns save lives. We see it time after time. In every place where there's a weapon, civilians, police officers, and soldiers save lives."
He went on to claim that while Israel has a strong police force and a strong army, soldiers and police officers cannot be everywhere, which is why civilians also need guns.
During the attack, three people were murdered, and six people were wounded by two terrorists with guns.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed with Ben-Gvir.
"I salute the quick response of two soldiers and a civilian who killed the terrorists and prevented a worse attack," he said. "All Hamas terrorists will die - in Jerusalem, in Gaza, in the West Bank, and everywhere. The government under my leadership will continue to distribute weapons to civilians. It's a method that proves itself time after time in the murderous war against terrorism.
Victory on all fronts
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said that Israel would not rest until it achieved victory on all fronts.
"The terrible terrorist attack reminds us that our enemies are not only the Nazis in Gaza," he wrote in an X post. "We'll chase and destroy them everywhere with the help of God. I support the security and rescue forces that are working on the scene. My condolences to the families of the victims and I wish a speedy recovery for the wounded."
לא ננוח ולא נשקוט עד להכרעה וניצחון בכל הגזרות!אנחנו במלחמה בכל החזיתות. הפיגוע הנורא בירושלים מזכיר לנו שהאויבים שלנו הם לא רק הנאצים בעזה. נרדוף ונשמיד אותם בעזרת השם בכל מקום. מחזק את ידי כוחות הביטחון וההצלה שפועלים בזירה. תנחומים למשפחות הנרצחים ואיחולי החלמה לפצועים.
— בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) November 30, 2023
Labor Minister Yoav Ben Zur called on the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet to order the destruction of the terrorists' homes immediately.
Following the revelation that the terrorists had both served prison sentences for terrorism in the past, Legislation Committee Chairman MK Simcha Rothman added that terrorists were impossible to rehabilitate with regular prison sentences and called for life sentences or death sentences for terrorists.
Minister Benny Gantz sent his condolences to the families of the victims and well wishes to the wounded.
"This attack is further proof of our commitment to continue the war against the murderous terrorism that threatens our civilians," he said. "In Jerusalem, in Gaza, in the West Bank, and anywhere else."
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also expressed his condolences and well wishes, adding that "the security forces will continue to work around the clock to bring security to the citizens of Israel and bring the terrorists to account."
Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman called for Israel to revoke terrorists' and their families' citizenships and deport them.
"It's time to change the record and send a clear message that what was will no longer be," he said.
Labor leader Merav Michaeli blamed the attack on the government, calling it a "right wing government full of terrorism, murder, and attacks."
Israel saw its deadliest year from terrorism in 2023 with over 1,400 people being murdered by Hamas in its October 7 massacre. Aside from the victims of that attack, at least 38 people were murdered throughout the year in various terrorist attacks, meaning that without the victims of October 7, 2023 is the deadliest year since the end of the Second Intifada.