Israel Expands Gun License Eligibility to Nine More Communities Including Kfar Chabad

Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has approved nine additional communities in the Sdot Dan Regional Council as eligible for personal firearm licenses. This decision is part of Ben-Gvir's ongoing comprehensive gun reform, allowing residents of these communities to apply for gun licenses if they meet legal criteria. The newly approved communities include Kfar Chabad, Tzafria, Mishmar HaShiv'a, Zitan, Nir Tzvi, Hemed, Yagel, Achi'ezer, and Ganot.

The approval followed detailed professional work by the Israel Police and the Firearms Licensing and Supervision Department. This expansion reflects a significant increase in eligible communities: from only six in 2021, none in 2019, 2020, and 2022, to 23 in 2023, 21 in 2024, 80 in 2025, and already 126 in early 2026. Over 280,000 citizens have received personal gun licenses, and more than 200 communities are now recognized as eligible.

Ben-Gvir emphasized the reform's goal to empower citizens to protect themselves and their families, citing a recent incident where a licensed ultra-Orthodox man in Jerusalem thwarted a deadly terrorist attack. The minister reiterated his policy that "guns in the right hands save lives." Additionally, the reform includes strengthening local security teams and increasing weapon supplies through the police.

Earlier, the city of Ashdod was also added to the eligibility list following Ben-Gvir's visit. The expanded eligibility and increased arming of local security forces are part of a broader strategy to enhance civilian and community defense amid ongoing security challenges in Israel.