More than 300,000 additional Jerusalem residents will now be eligible to apply for personal firearms licenses after the government approved 41 neighborhoods across the capital as firearms-eligible areas, the National Security Ministry announced last week.
The move expands the pool of potential license holders by roughly 1,600 streets across Jerusalem, the ministry added, noting that the decision comes at a “particularly sensitive security time” amid the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and as the war against Iran rages on.
The move was “based on the view that weapons in the hands of responsible citizens are an important component in strengthening personal security and enabling a rapid response to terrorist and criminal incidents,” the ministry stated.
According to the ministry, it followed a review by the Israel Police and officials in the Firearms Licensing Division, who examined Jerusalem’s security challenges and the needs of its residents.
It added that, although more people will now be eligible to acquire a firearms license, those wishing to do so still must meet the requirements stipulated by Israeli law.
Ben-Gvir: Jerusalem residents, go get a gun license
“I am proud to continue the revolution and add dozens more neighborhoods in Jerusalem to the list of eligible areas,” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said. “Precisely amid the war and during Ramadan, Jerusalem residents have a basic right to protect themselves and their families. My policy is clear: weapons in the right hands save lives. I was in the field, I saw the threats and the heroism of the citizens; I promised, and I delivered. I call on Jerusalem residents: go get a gun license. Guns save lives.”