Residents of Retamim Alarmed by Heavy Gunfire from Nearby Village
Residents of Retamim, a small religious settlement in southern Israel, expressed intense fear for their safety following a violent incident involving heavy gunfire on the night of November 16, 2025. The shooting, believed to have originated from the nearby Bedouin village of Bir Hadaj, sent shockwaves through the community, prompting immediate responses from local authorities.
The gunfire began around 22:00 and persisted intermittently for approximately one hour. Witnesses reported hearing hundreds of shots, leading to widespread panic among families. “It was like a war,” one resident recounted, highlighting how children were awakened in terror. Many families sought refuge in their homes, fearing for their safety.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the scene shortly after the incident and confirmed that security forces had increased their presence in the area. However, residents criticized the response time, asserting that it was not swift enough to ensure their safety. The community has long faced threats from criminal activities, with residents advocating for measures such as security fences and increased patrols to protect their neighborhood.
Local officials believe the gunfire was linked to ongoing criminal activities rather than a politically motivated act. In a statement to the media, Ben-Gvir suggested that the incident was a reaction to the demolition of an illegal mosque, asserting, “This does not deter me; I will continue to lead a policy of demolishing illegal buildings.”
As authorities began their investigation, they confirmed that no casualties had been reported from the incident. The Israel Police are working to gather more information regarding the origins of the gunfire. Ben-Gvir criticized former Shin Bet head Ronen Bar for not taking sufficient action against Bedouin crime, suggesting that current Shin Bet head David Zini recognizes the issue as a significant threat.
The community’s frustrations were echoed by Eran Doron, head of the Ramat Hanegev Regional Council, who condemned the normalization of gunfire in residential areas. “The reality where gunfire is heard near residents’ homes as a routine matter is unacceptable,” he stated, urging law enforcement to take decisive action against the rising trend of violence.
The residents of Retamim, numbering around 780 individuals, have experienced a series of similar incidents in the past. Many are now expressing a heightened sense of vulnerability and fear that their homes are no longer secure. One resident remarked, “We are terrified and afraid to leave the house,” emphasizing the urgent need for effective security measures in the region.
As investigations continue, the community remains on high alert, calling for increased government intervention to address the ongoing insecurity that plagues their daily lives.
