National Security Minister of Israeli occupation’s state, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has announced a new policy allowing residents of all Jewish neighbourhoods in Jerusalem to qualify for gun licences based solely on where they live.
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the measure could enable roughly 300,000 additional Jewish residents of the city to apply for permits to carry firearms. Previously, such licences were typically granted to residents of settlements located in occupied East Jerusalem, but the updated decision broadens eligibility to a significantly larger portion of the Jewish population in the city.
Under the new policy, tens of thousands of people—including members of the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community—may become eligible to obtain firearms licences despite having little or no weapons training. Many in the Haredi community do not serve in the Israeli military, where most Israelis receive formal weapons instruction.
Ben-Gvir urged residents to apply for gun permits, claiming that civilian access to firearms can help protect lives, particularly during wartime and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. “Jerusalem residents have a fundamental right to defend themselves and their families,” he said.
Over the past year, Ben-Gvir and Israeli police have promoted broader civilian gun ownership by loosening licence requirements in several cities, including Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat and Ashdod.
However, the initiative has drawn legal scrutiny. Last month, the Israeli Supreme Court reported irregularities in 195 gun licences issued during Ben-Gvir’s time in office and ordered dozens of recipients to return their weapons.
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