Israeli families are stocking up on pepper spray and turning everyday objects into impromptu "weapons" as they attempt to defend themselves against the terror attacks.

On Tuesday, Ra'anana estate agent Michael Rehavi grabbed an umbrella from the corner of his office when he heard the screams of a knife-attack victim in the street outside.

Wielding the umbrella as a baton, Mr Rehavi repeatedly beat the terrorist until he was no longer a threat.

On the same day in Jerusalem a bystander witnessing the Malkhei Yisrael Street attack reportedly used a selfie stick to take on the attacker.

Yair Ben-Shabat was meanwhile pictured on Monday wielding a more traditional martial arts weapon - a nunchuk.

He was said to have jumped onto a bus and used the chained batons to overpower a terrorist who had stolen a soldier's rifle.

A shop selling spy equipment in Tel Aviv sold out of pepper spray, shockers and clubs, selling almost three weeks' stock in one day.

In a bid to help Israelis defend themselves, former IDF Krav Maga instructor Josh Carr has offered free courses in defending against knife attacks.

After posting the offer on Facebook, the South African immigrant received more than 1,000 replies, and now plans to hold training sessions in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities.