Former Israeli Firearms Licensing Chief Faces Charges Over Illegal Gun Permits

Israel Avishar, the former head of the Firearms Licensing Department at Israel's Ministry of National Security, is set to face indictment pending a hearing, on suspicions of fraud and breach of trust. This decision was announced by Attorney General Amit Aisman on Tuesday. The indictment follows allegations that after the outbreak of the "Iron Swords" war, Avishar authorized unauthorized individuals to issue gun licenses, including pistol permits, to Israeli citizens unlawfully.

According to the indictment, approximately 23,000 conditional firearm approvals and 15,000 final gun licenses were issued illegally by these unauthorized parties. Among those temporarily appointed as licensing officers without legal authority were four advisors from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's office, as well as national service volunteers and Knesset employees. This controversy sparked significant public outcry and led to discussions in the State Control Committee, after which the employment of these advisors and volunteers in licensing roles was halted.

The background to Avishar's actions was a reform led by Minister Ben-Gvir aimed at easing the issuance of personal gun licenses following the October 7 massacre, in response to increased demand and pressure. Avishar approved the establishment of a command center to support the Firearms Department, staffed by four trusted aides from Ben-Gvir's office. This center operated from the minister's office and conducted licensing-related processes, including telephone interviews acting as temporary licensing officers. These political appointees began their roles before legal review was completed.

Only after legal counsel from the Ministry of National Security and the Civil Service Commission advised against the practice was the access of these aides to sensitive data revoked and their work stopped. Avishar resigned in December 2023 and was investigated by the Police Fraud Investigation Unit in July 2024. While Ben-Gvir's aides were also questioned, no prosecutorial decision has yet been made regarding them.