Israel Expands Gun Eligibility to 11 West Bank Settlements
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Israel's Ministry of National Security has approved firearm license eligibility for residents of 11 settlements in the Shomron region, including Khums and Ganim. The decision aims to enhance residents' self-defense and emergency response capabilities, particularly after the October 7th attacks. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that weapons in the right hands save lives and plans to expand the program further. The Head of the Shomron Regional Council, Yossi Dagan, emphasized the settlements' role as a security line for central Israel.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- 11 West Bank settlements in the Shomron region are now eligible for private firearm licenses.
- The Ministry of National Security aims to improve residents' self-defense and emergency response.
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that weapons in the right hands save lives.
- The decision follows the increased security concerns highlighted by the October 7th attacks.
- Yossi Dagan, Head of the Shomron Regional Council, called the settlements a security line for central Israel.
Israel's Ministry of National Security has approved the expansion of eligibility for private firearm licenses to residents of 11 settlements in the Shomron region of the West Bank. The decision, announced on Thursday, aims to bolster residents' self-defense capabilities and improve emergency response times. Among the newly eligible settlements are those in the northern Shomron, including Khums, Ganim, and Kedim. The Ministry stated that the move is intended to strengthen residents' ability to defend themselves and provide a quicker response during security emergencies, citing the events of October 7th as evidence of the need for preparedness.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir hailed the decision, emphasizing his commitment to further expanding the program. "We are continuing the weapons revolution and extending this reform to the new settlements we have established in the Shomron," Ben-Gvir said. "The residents of the Shomron are the security shield for the residents of Gush Dan and the Sharon and seam line communities. I am proud to add them to the long list of new eligible settlements." He reiterated his policy, stating, "We will continue to add settlements to eligibility and allow as many citizens as possible who meet the criteria to defend themselves. My policy is clear: weapons in the right hands save lives."
Yossi Dagan, Head of the Shomron Regional Council, also welcomed the decision, highlighting the strategic security importance of the Shomron settlements. "The Shomron is the defense line for central Israel, the coastal plain, and the Galilee," Dagan stated. "Anyone who understands the map of the State of Israel and the security reality knows that the Shomron is the defense line for all of Israel. The events of October 7th proved the importance of preparedness and the need to give residents the tools to defend their homes." He also noted that many Shomron residents are combat veterans and reservists who are entitled to defend their families and communities.
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