The Knesset National Security Committee, chaired by MK Zvika Fogel, approved an amendment to firearms regulations expanding eligibility for gun licenses to additional categories of security personnel, including Border Police veterans, prison guards, soldiers on mission duty, firefighters, and academic officers. Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said the reform 'removes barriers for those who serve the state.' The committee also eased rules for air rifle and souvenir firearm possession.
The Knesset National Security Committee on Tuesday approved an amendment to Israel's firearms regulations, expanding eligibility for gun licenses to additional categories of security personnel. The amendment, submitted by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, was approved by the committee chaired by MK Zvika Fogel (Otzma Yehudit).
The expansion includes: Border Police (Shaham) veterans who served at least 18 months in designated roles; prison guards with at least two years of regular service; soldiers on active duty holding a combatant certificate and serving in a 'mission period' (Perek Meshima); firefighters with at least two years of service in specific positions; and academic officers in the IDF with at least five years of regular service or 60 reserve days over six years.
The committee also eased regulations for possession of air/BB rifles and souvenir firearms. For air rifles, ownership licenses may be renewed for those who held them for at least 10 years before October 18, 2023. For souvenir firearms, inheritance and recent license holders are eligible.
Minister Ben Gvir stated: 'We continue to expand the gun reform and remove barriers for those who serve the state. Those who have proven responsibility, professionalism, and dedication in their service in the police, prison service, IDF, and fire department deserve the state's trust to carry a weapon.' Committee Chairman Fogel said the expansion 'is another step to strengthen personal security and increase force multipliers in the public space.'
The amendment is the latest in a series of expansions to gun licensing under Ben Gvir's tenure, part of his stated policy to increase the number of armed citizens.
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