5-1-2024 (TEL AVIV) An image of Israeli news anchor Lital Shemesh wearing a visibly displayed gun on her waist during a live broadcast inside the newsroom quickly went viral on social media platforms. Many netizens associated the image with the ongoing tensions surrounding Hamas on October 7. The prevailing atmosphere of attacks on Israel has led individuals to take defensive measures in response.
According to a report by India’s “Free Press Journal,” due to Israel’s complex security environment and ongoing conflicts, numerous Israeli women have made the decision to arm themselves. One such woman is Shemesh, a news anchor from “Channel 14.” She revealed on Tuesday (2) that she had a gun by her side, next to the microphone, during her broadcasts.
Shemesh, who serves as a news anchor for the Israeli Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and the commercial Channel 14, also contributes to the English-language channel ilTV. She holds a master’s degree in American Jewish Studies. Netizen @VividProwess commended her actions, stating, “Very commendable. We face numerous bloodthirsty enemies, and we must be prepared at any time and in any situation.” Another netizen, @osherfeldman, commented, “Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures.”
However, some netizens, like @Alex_Oloyede2, expressed their dissatisfaction, stating, “If a Palestinian carries weapons to protect themselves, they are labeled as terrorists. If an Israeli does the same, they are portrayed as innocent and receive praise.”
Following the widespread attack launched by Hamas on October 7 last year, resulting in the loss of over 1,140 lives, predominantly civilians, Israel responded with a relentless offensive, reducing significant parts of the Gaza Strip to rubble. According to Gaza’s health authorities, the death toll surpassed 22,300 people.
