New Policy Announcement
On March 10, 2026, Itamar Ben Gvir announced a significant change to gun permit policies in Jerusalem, widening eligibility for civilian gun permits for Jewish residents. This decision allows over 300,000 Jewish residents to apply for a gun permit based solely on their place of residence.
Immediate Circumstances
The new policy expedites approvals for trained applicants and extends blanket eligibility to almost all Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem. Since the beginning of Ben Gvir’s efforts to increase gun ownership, the government has issued over 240,000 new firearms licenses. Requests for gun permits surged following Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, highlighting the ongoing security concerns in the region.
This policy aims to arm more residents during wartime conditions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict and the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The 41 neighborhoods added to the eligibility list include Har Nof, Givat Shaul, Neve Yaakov, and Gilo. However, the policy has raised concerns about oversight gaps and potential escalation risks.
Critics warn that the ease of obtaining a license may place vulnerable individuals, particularly women with violent partners, at greater risk. In 2025, firearms were the most common weapon used in femicides, with 32 cases reported last year.
Official Statements
Ben Gvir stated, “Precisely in the shadow of the war and during Ramadan, Jerusalem residents have a basic right to defend themselves and their families.” He further emphasized that “firearms in the hands of responsible citizens constitute an important component in strengthening personal security and enabling an initial response to terror and crime.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact impact of this policy on crime rates and public safety, as well as the long-term effects of increased gun ownership on community safety.
