Israel Authorizes Over 60,000 New Firearms Since October 7 Attack
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Israel has issued over 60,000 new firearm licenses since the October 7 attack, expanding eligibility to former military personnel and residents of high-risk areas. The policy, championed by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, is controversial due to safety concerns versus the potential for civilian intervention.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- Over 60,000 new firearm licenses issued in Israel since October 7.
- Eligibility criteria expanded for former military and residents of high-risk areas.
- Minister Itamar Ben Gvir supports arming civilians as a first line of defense.
- The policy is controversial, with debates on safety versus civilian intervention benefits.
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israel has issued more than 60,000 new firearm licenses, according to data from the Ministry of National Security. This significant increase follows a broadening of eligibility criteria implemented in the weeks after the attack, with authorities expediting the process for qualified civilians to obtain weapons.
The reform expanded access to licenses for certain categories of former soldiers, reservists, and residents of areas deemed to have a heightened security risk. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has long advocated for policies to increase the number of armed civilians, arguing they can serve as an initial response to terrorist attacks before security forces arrive.
This policy remains a subject of debate within Israel. Critics express concerns about the potential dangers of increased firearm circulation, while proponents point to instances where armed civilians have intervened against attackers.
