Deputy Minister of the Interior David Azulai confirmed an increase in the number of fictitious complaints filed by Arabs against arm-bearing Jewish residents of Yesha (Judea, Samaria and Gaza). To date, police immediately confiscate the licensed weapon of a Yesha resident following a complaint against him for an alleged assault or violent incident. Government officials now say that Arabs are well aware of the procedure and file fictitious complaints against the Yesha residents. However, a newly introduced regulation demands that the investigation of such complaints be expedited, and that during the interim, residents will not be required to turn over their weapon. Azulai added that the foot-dragging by the system has resulted in some persons remaining unable to defend themselves for years while no charges were filed.