Ben Gvir Expands Gun Licensing Eligibility to Most of Beit Shemesh

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has approved the inclusion of most of the city of Beit Shemesh in the list of localities eligible for firearm permits, over a year after he and his wife were attacked by extremists there while removing Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) flags. The decision means residents in the approved areas can apply for personal firearm licenses based on their residency.

However, specific streets in the neighborhoods of Hefetzba and Rama Bet, which the minister identified as being associated with extremist elements, were excluded from eligibility. These exclusions follow a professional review by the Israel Police and the Firearm Licensing and Supervision Department.

In Hefetzba, streets such as Ben Ish Hai, Yosef Caro, and Rabbi Tzadka Yehuda are excluded. In Rama Bet, streets including Rabbi Akiva, Rashbi, and Rabbi Yehoshua, as well as Herzog Boulevard, are among those not eligible. The minister stated that those who "boast the PLO flag and photograph themselves with terrorists are enemies," hence the exclusion of extremist neighborhoods.

Ben Gvir expressed pride in continuing the "gun revolution," asserting that "normal residents of Beit Shemesh, like all citizens of the State of Israel who love the State of Israel, have a basic right to defend themselves and their families." He added that the policy aims to ensure "as many citizens as possible can defend themselves and the State of Israel," emphasizing that "guns in the right hands save lives."

The Ministry of National Security noted a significant increase in the number of eligible localities in recent years. While only six localities were recognized in 2021, and none in 2019, 2020, or 2022, the numbers rose to 23 in 2023, 21 in 2024, 80 in 2025, and 126 so far in 2026. Since the reform's expansion, approximately 300,000 citizens have received personal firearm licenses, and over 200 localities are now recognized as eligible.