Gunfire Near Kindergartens in Negev: Residents Fear for Their Lives

Residents of the Negev were shaken yesterday afternoon by a terrifying scene they hope to forget: a white pickup truck parked near local homes, from which loud bursts of gunfire rang out. Armed individuals were reportedly seen standing near the fence, as the gunfire continued for several minutes.

“We were certain they were going to shoot at us,” said one resident. “At some point, we brought the children inside and locked all the doors and windows, fearing the bullets might hit our homes.”

An annonymous mother living in Nevatim, described the ordeal:

“This is what life looks like just minutes from Be’er Sheva: they shoot at our homes, and there’s no law, no authority. Noon, in broad daylight. What’s next, shooting inside our homes?”

Reports of gunfire were also received overnight in the nearby community of Karmit, coming from the Bedouin village of Lakia. Some bullets landed inside private yards.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a clan feud or celebratory gunfire,” said an annonymous resident. “What matters is that in the State of Israel, which is supposed to be governed by law, people act as if we’re in the Wild West. I can only pray that we won’t be the ones paying the price one day.”

Residents of both communities said they have been living under a persistent wave of Bedouin-related gun violence and criminal activity for years. They are pleading for stronger enforcement and state intervention. The local police confirmed that a formal investigation has been opened.

In the meantime, families are forced to live under the shadow of gunfire, just meters from the playgrounds where their children play.