Police place snipers on rooftops in Rahat after shooting in the city

In depth

Southern District Commander Nitzav Haim Bublil ordered snipers and marksmen to be placed on rooftops in Rahat following an escalation in clan feuds in the city. About a week and a half ago, massive gunfire was heard for hours in broad daylight, and residents have repeatedly complained about the lack of governance in the city.

Footage circulated on social media showed police officers on the roof of a building in the city, and police confirmed the authenticity of the images. Police said the snipers were deployed as part of efforts to thwart the spreading phenomenon of shootings in the south.

Police said any armed person who fires will be neutralized, and that gunfire will be met with gunfire. Residents of the city sharply criticized the decision. "We want to live in security, not under the sights of snipers," said one resident of the city.