developing· Security· Updated
Israel Expands Gun Permit Eligibility to 11 West Bank Settlements
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, approved the expansion of personal firearm license eligibility to residents of 11 additional Jewish communities and outposts in Samaria.
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What happened
- 01Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir approved expanding firearm license eligibility to 11 additional Samaria communities on Thursday.
- 02The newly eligible locations are Asif, Ganim, Ar-Bazak, Homesh, Kadim, Shira, Havat Yair, Ma'oz-Tzvi, Havat Gilad, Sahlav, and Eival.
- 03The reform aims to enhance resident self-defense and community security systems following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
- 04Shomron Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan welcomed the decision, calling Samaria a crucial defense line for Israel.
- 05The expansion follows a prior policy move in January 2026 that added 18 communities to the firearm permit eligibility list.
- 06According to Al-Shams, the decision raises concerns about potential escalation amid ongoing tensions in Judea and Samaria.
The newly included communities are Asif, Ganim, Ar-Bazak, Homesh, Kadim, Shira, Havat Yair, Ma'oz-Tzvi, Havat Gilad, Sahlav, and Eival. Residents of these locations who meet the established legal criteria can now apply for personal weapon permits.
According to the Ministry of National Security, this decision is part of a broader reform initiated after the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks to enhance self-defense capabilities and strengthen community defense systems. Minister Ben-Gvir stated that the expansion continues his policy that weapons in the right hands save lives. Yossi Dagan, Head of the Shomron Regional Council, praised the decision, calling Samaria a crucial defense line for the country.
This move follows a previous expansion in January 2026, when 18 communities were added to the eligibility list. Al-Shams reported that the decision comes amid ongoing tensions in Judea and Samaria, raising concerns about potential escalation in areas with frequent friction.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Al-Shams. Read Al-Shams’s originalThe coverage
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Israel Expands Gun Permit Eligibility to 11 West Bank Settlements