Israel, the tiny democracy in the Middle East with terrorists along all its borders, has more stringent gun-control laws than anywhere in the United States. Unlike our Second Amendment, there is no recognition of the right to keep and bear arms.
After the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas from Gaza, Israel’s government suddenly made it slightly easier for its citizens to own firearms for self-defense.
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir announced Sunday in Hebrew an emergency declaration that will “allow as many citizens as possible to arm themselves.” Currently, a mere 1.5 percent of the civilian population has a license to own a gun.
Emergency Gun Policy
Ben-Gvir’s emergency policies for the Firearm Licensing Department went into effect in 24 hours.
The laws that require proving “a need” to own and carry a gun have not changed. However those eligible to apply for a license under the “self-defense test” can now do the required interview on the phone instead of in person. The applicant will be approved for the license within a week under the new order.
While a citizen can still purchase only one handgun, the limit on rounds of ammunition has been increased from 50 to 100.
According to the minister, 4,000 citizens who applied for a conditional permit in 2023 but let the license expire before using it can now purchase a firearm. Another 1,800 people in the past six months who returned their guns to the government for not taking a training renewal course can get
