National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir approved on Sunday the expansion of eligibility for personal firearm licenses to additional cities and communities nationwide as part of his ongoing firearms reform.
Among the newly included locations are Caesarea, where members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s family reside, as well as Arad, Rosh Pinna, and a series of communities in the Upper Galilee and Emek Hefer regions.
The latest additions also include multiple kibbutzim in the Upper Galilee and rural communities across central Israel, reflecting what officials describe as a geographically expanding policy.
The move follows a broader policy shift that has significantly widened access to personal weapons since October 7, 2023. According to official figures, more than 250,000 Israeli civilians have already received personal firearm licenses since the reform was introduced, marking a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Ben-Gvir's stance on civilian firearm access
Ben-Gvir has repeatedly reiterated his stance that civilian access to firearms contributes to national security, stating that residents have a fundamental right to defend themselves and their families.
He previously said that recent events had demonstrated both the threats facing civilians and the role of civilians in responding to them, urging eligible citizens to apply for licenses under the expanded criteria.
Last month, Ben-Gvir's National Security Ministry approved 41 additional Jerusalem neighborhoods for inclusion in the gun reform, affecting over 300,000 residents.
The decision followed a review by the Israel Police and officials in the Firearms Licensing Division, who examined Jerusalem’s security challenges and residents' needs.