Israel's National Security Minister Celebrates 300,000 Gun Licenses Issued Since Oct. 7

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the home of Bar Kanfou, a 26-year-old resident of Beersheba, who received the 300,000th firearm license issued under a reform implemented since the October 7th Hamas attacks. Ben-Gvir presented Kanfou with her license and a special cake decorated with a pistol and the "300K" inscription, marking the milestone.

This achievement follows recent approvals for hundreds of streets in Beersheba to be eligible for firearm licenses, potentially opening the application process for tens of thousands more residents, provided they meet the criteria. Since October 7th, 300,000 new licenses have been granted as part of the reform.

The number of women holding private or organizational firearm licenses has surged dramatically, increasing from approximately 8,300 in 2022 to over 29,000 by June 2026, a rise of more than 250%. The number of recognized eligible communities has also grown significantly. In 2021, only six communities were recognized, but by early 2026, 126 communities had been added to the list.

"300,000 licenses are not just a number, these are 300,000 citizens who can protect themselves, their families, and their surroundings," Ben-Gvir stated. "Bar Kanfou is the 300,000th citizen, and the cake is a good reason to celebrate a life-saving revolution." He added, "More armed women, more eligible communities, and more citizens who can defend themselves in real-time. I promised to change the policy, and I delivered. Guns in the right hands save lives."