Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan
Internal Security Minister Gilad ErdanMiriam Alster/Flash90

Following the massive spate of Arab terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians throughout the country, Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan is considering imposing a full closure on all Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem.

Senior police officials are reportedly pushing that recommendation in particular, as they struggle to cope with the attacks, which are usually carried out by one or two individuals as opposed to organized terrorist cells.

Although attacks have taken place throughout the country, the majority have occurred in and around Jerusalem. Many of the attacks outside of Jerusalem have also been carried out by Arab residents of the capital.

Among other measures suggested during an emergency ministry meeting this morning was loosening regulations on issuing firearms licenses, to enable more citizens to legally acquire weapons for self-defense.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has also asked that the government take stronger action to stop Arab terror. He told Arutz Sheva that Israel must not pretend it can return to normal life following the attacks: "You will soon hear about drastic and unprecedented steps that we will take along with the General Security Service (GSS, also known as the Shin Bet or Shabak)."

He added, "In addition to my call for the Israeli government and the security services to take firmer measures, we need to call on residents not to take the law into their own hands, and to allow the security forces to handle the situations."

Stores throughout the country are reporting a huge surge in demand for self-defense equipment, particularly pepper spray.