Benjamin Netanyahu calls for looser weapons laws after attack on synagogue

After seven people were killed in an attack on a synagogue, Israel's government has announced that it will make civilians faster and easier to get arms licenses.

Jerusalem was shaken by two shootings at the weekend, which have marked some of the bloodiest days in the city for more than a decade. The attack on the synagogue, which coincides with the Holocaust Memorial Day, increased the fears that the smoldering tensions could lead to a comprehensive conflict again.

The attack took place after the deadliest Israeli attack on Palestinians in West Bank for more than 20 years.

In response to the attacks in Jerusalem, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to enforce a number of punitive measures against Palestinians, including strengthening the settlements and withdrawing the residence and social security rights for the family members of an attacker.

In his opening speech on the cabinet meeting on Sunday, Mr. Netanyahu said that the government would "expand and accelerate and accelerate the exhibition of weapon permits for thousands of Israeli civilians". He cited the voluntary search and rescue organization Zaka as an example, of which 3,000 mobile volunteers are only armed a small part.

"Imagine that you and others would be armed ... We have seen again and again, including yesterday in the Davidsstadt that heroic, armed and trained civilians save lives," he said.

About two percent of the Israeli population currently have the right to bear a firearm, and the beneficiaries must have completed military service or have a security background in dealing with weapons. According to reports, most of the permits for pistols are granted, not for automatic weapons.

attack wave of Israeli settlers

together, the step towards “strengthening” settlements - which are generally regarded by the international community as illegal - aroused the fear of further impunity among Palestinian civilians in occupied areas and the relaxation of weapons laws. Law groups have previously branded this type of measures of Israeli governments as a "collective penalty".

According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, at least 144 attacks of Israeli settlers were reported in the entire West Bank on Saturday.

Yoav Gallant, the new Israeli Minister of Defense, said reporters in West Bank, that the government would like peace in the region but will not hesitate to act if more blood was shed.

"Every terrorist will either go to the court or to the cemetery," said Mr. Gallant on Sunday.

"Anyone who helps the terrorist will be damaged. If necessary, we will destroy your houses. We will deprive you of your rights. If necessary, we will show them."