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Aharonovitch aims to stamp out celebratory gunfire at Arab weddings

Aharonovitch aims to sta

Celebratory gunfire at Arab weddings "will end" in the near future, Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch vowed on Tuesday during an appearance at the Knesset's Internal Affairs Committee. Aharonovitch was discussing steps being taken by his ministry to increase security in peripheral areas around the country, and addressed the growing problem of firearms availability within the Arab Israeli community and among Israeli Jews as well. "Firing at weddings must stop," the public security minister said. "Shooting incidents within the community will be reduced dramatically in 2010, and so will incidents involving explosives and firearms possessions. Arson will be dealt with seriously," he added. "I have asked the police commissioner to draw up a program that places these goals at its center for 2010. Enforcement and intelligence regarding illegal weapons will be employed," Aharonovitch said. The public security minister said civil national service programs for Arab Israelis were "expanding daily."