Ben-Gvir expands list of areas eligible for personal firearm possession

Israeli National Security Minister and Knesset member Itamar Ben-Gvir announced the addition of Kiryat Malakhi, Kiryat Gat, Gan Yavne, Tel Mond and the Megiddo Regional Council to the list of areas eligible for personal weapons licenses. That will allow about 100,000 additional Israelis to obtain weapons licenses through streamlined procedures.

According to the Makan news site: “This decision comes despite growing criticism of the intensified weapons distribution policy, with requests for weapons increasing by hundreds of percent since Ben-Gvir’s policy was implemented. To date, hundreds of thousands of applications have been submitted and tens of thousands of weapons purchased, bringing the total number of license holders to about 250,000 Israelis.”

The site added: “The rising crime rate raises concerns that these expansions in weapons licensing could increase the number of victims of domestic violence.”

Ben-Gvir responded: “The policy we are leading has saved many lives and proven effective on the ground. Its aim is to enable law-abiding Israelis to protect themselves and their communities. Today, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malakhi, Gan Yavne, Megiddo and Tel Mond join the list of towns where we are strengthening personal security through licensed weapons, rapid response teams and enhanced deterrence.”