The State Prosecution's Economic Department has informed Israel Avishar, former head of the National Security Ministry's Firearms Licensing Division, that State Attorney Amit Aisman is considering indicting him on suspicion of fraud and breach of trust, subject to a hearing. According to the notice, after the outbreak of the Swords of Iron war, Avishar allegedly allowed unauthorized entities to issue weapons licenses, resulting in approximately 23,000 conditional permits and 15,000 final licenses. The case was investigated by Lahav 433's National Fraud Unit.
The State Prosecution formally notified Israel Avishar, former head of the National Security Ministry's Firearms Licensing Division, of its intention to indict him for fraud and breach of trust, subject to a hearing. According to the notice, Avishar allegedly allowed unauthorized entities to issue approximately 23,000 conditional weapons permits and 15,000 final weapons licenses after the outbreak of the Swords of Iron war. The case was investigated by the National Fraud Unit (Yahalom) of Lahav 433.
The notification follows earlier reports on Tuesday at 16:49 Jerusalem, when The Zioneer first reported that the prosecution was considering the indictment. That initial report, citing N12, outlined the same allegations and numbers. The formal notification, sent by the State Prosecution's Economic Department, now marks the next step in the legal process.
The case unfolds against a backdrop of broader concerns over gun control in Israel. As The Zioneer reported on June 22, the defense establishment assesses that approximately half a million illegal handguns, rifles, and machine guns are currently circulating across the country. Separately, on July 7, the Knesset National Security Committee approved an expansion of gun license eligibility for security personnel, reflecting ongoing policy debates.
Avishar will have the opportunity to present his case in a hearing before a final decision on the indictment is made. The numbers of permits involved remain as reported initially.
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