Israeli Attorney General Recommends Closing Investigations Into Minister Ben Gvir’s Office Over Gun Reform

Galit Baharav-Miara, Israel’s Attorney General, has recommended closing the investigations opened against staff members of Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s office concerning the controversial gun license reform. The investigations, initiated nearly two years ago following a petition by the Movement for Quality Government and media reports, focused on allegations that tens of thousands of gun licenses were improperly issued, some allegedly facilitated through Ben Gvir’s office under his guidance.

Despite the investigations beginning in 2022 and involving four employees of Ben Gvir’s office, including his legal advisor David Bavli who personally approved over 700 licenses, the Israel Police recommended closing the cases as early as January 2025. Baharav-Miara has now accepted this recommendation, effectively ending the probe without any charges or cancellation of the licenses already granted.

The investigation was conducted by the Lahav 433 unit on suspicions of fraud and breach of trust. However, no legal action was taken against the minister himself, and the gun license reform continues to expand across additional towns and cities in Israel. Ben Gvir hailed the decision as a significant victory, affirming the legitimacy of the reform despite ongoing criticism and legal challenges.

This development marks a notable reversal from the initial decision to open the investigations and underscores the government's continued push to broaden gun ownership eligibility nationwide. The Movement for Quality Government, which had filed the petition, had campaigned against the reform, citing concerns over legality and public safety.