According to statistics made public on Sunday by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, the number of Israeli women with licenses to carry a firearm has increased by 88% over the past seven months.
According to the statistics, women in Judea and Samaria made up 44% of those who received licenses.
“Since I assumed office, the policy I have been directing at the Ministry of National Security has been to grant a weapon license to those who meet the requirements, so they can protect themselves and their surroundings,” said Ben-Gvir.
I am happy that on my watch we see a big increase on this level as well. Women who want to protect themselves and their families are a welcome thing.”
After a Palestinian terrorist killed seven people outside a synagogue in Jerusalem in January, Israel’s Security Cabinet started urging eligible Israelis to arm themselves.
Ben-Gvir increased the requirements to include former and present soldiers, reservists, members of the security services, emergency personnel, as well as medical professionals, among others, in an effort to reduce the backlog of license requests.
If they apply for a firearm license, volunteer emergency responders who have worked with a reputable rescue group for at least a year will also be given preferential treatment.
The news was made on Sunday, one day after a Palestinian terrorist assassinated a municipal security guard in Tel Aviv’s central business district.
Two security guards approached the suspect, whom they later identified as Palestinian Islamic Jihad member Kamal Abu Bakr, after he aroused their suspicion.
One of the guards was seriously hurt when Bakr pulled out a revolver and fired at them; the guard was later pronounced dead at Tel Aviv’s Ichilov Hospital. Bakr was struck by the other guard’s retaliatory fire.
A Palestinian opened fire on customers at a Maale Adumim retail center on August 1, inflicting five injuries on Israeli citizens. An officer from the Border Police who was not on duty shot and killed the terrorist.
Israel has tight gun control laws, and its people are not legally permitted to carry firearms in their homes.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old, be free of any felony convictions, and submit a doctor’s certification attesting to their physical and mental condition.
The Firearms Licensing Division may request additional information from applicants, and approval is not guaranteed. Depending on the justification provided to the authorities, an Israeli may be allowed to carry a specific type of firearm.
Citizens may only carry one specified firearm per license; each additional firearm requires a separate permit.
The sale of bullets is strictly controlled, and selling a firearm also requires government approval. Every three years, licenses need to be renewed.
A doctor’s health declaration and proof of finishing a refresher course are required as part of this process.
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