Guns Save Lives: A Case Study
A seemingly mundane traffic jam near the A-Za’ayem checkpoint, a pivotal juncture between the West Bank and Jerusalem, turned tragically violent. Amidst the standstill, a group of motorists found themselves under attack, leading to the death of an Israeli citizen and injuries to eight others. The assault, executed with gunfire, starkly illustrates the dangers lurking every day for those living at the heart of this long-standing conflict.
The perpetrators, identified as three Islamic militants, launched their assault armed with weaponry that notably included an American M4 rifle — a remnant, it’s speculated, of the military equipment left behind in the chaotic withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in August 2021 under President Joe Biden’s administration. This deliberate act of violence was mitigated only by the prompt and decisive action of civilians on the scene, among them a young Israeli Army Reservist. Armed with a concealed pistol, the off-duty soldier, caught in the traffic with his family, swiftly neutralized one assailant, though he sustained injuries in the process.
The severity of this attack on unsuspecting motorists was significantly mitigated by the swift and determined response of armed civilians, who, thanks to their training, were able to intervene effectively.
The intervention of armed civilians did not end there; another Israeli citizen engaged, resulting in the death of a second assailant, while the third was apprehended and later succumbed to his injuries after police intervention. This incident has sparked further discussion on the policy advocated by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who champions the arming and training of civilians to defend themselves in such critical situations. His stance, encapsulated by the assertion that “guns save lives,” resonates strongly with some, emphasizing the perceived necessity of self-defense in an environment where danger can arise suddenly and without warning.
This event serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with everyday situations in conflict zones, such as traffic jams, which can quickly become targets for terrorist activities.
This scenario holds the unsettling potential to be replicated in Europe, the UK, and the USA.
It also highlights the importance of constant vigilance, preparedness, and the controversial yet increasingly pertinent debate on the role of armed civilians in ensuring their safety and that of others around them.
Lessons Learned:
- Terrorists often target traffic jams, especially the predictable ones, because they are lucrative opportunities. While we can’t avoid all traffic jams, we can avoid most of them.
- Always keep your vehicle moving. It offers some protection against gunfire as long as you’re inside and on the move. Staying stationary in a vehicle for too long is highly dangerous!
- Make sure to maintain your vehicle well and keep the gas tank full to avoid breakdowns.
- Regularly carrying a concealed pistol, and possibly a rifle or shotgun, which you are trained to use safely and effectively, can save your life.
- Remember, personal safety is all about prevention and avoidance.
