From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Israelis submitted over 403,000 requests for firearms licenses since Oct. 7, ministry says
Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
Israelis have submitted over 403,000 requests for firearms licenses since October 7, out of which more than 217,000 conditional approvals have been granted, the National Security Ministry informs the Knesset National Security Committee.
Out of the 217,000 conditional approvals, 165,000 permanent licenses have been granted, while 177,000 applications have been rejected, according to statistics presented to lawmakers. According to the ministry, around 335,000 Israelis currently hold firearms licenses.
Requests for gun permits surged following Hamas’s massive attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were slaughtered, many amid brutal atrocities, and a further 251 taken hostage to Gaza. Last March, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir celebrated the approval of 100,000 new gun licenses since October 7, stating that putting more weapons on the streets has made Israel safer. Women’s groups have decried the rising number of guns in Israeli homes, saying it poses a risk to victims of domestic violence.
In the wake of October 7, the National Security Ministry also granted temporary authority to approve gun license applications to Ben Gvir’s personal staff appointees, Knesset employees, and others. Several were subsequently investigated by police on suspicion that the ministry issued firearms permits without authority.
Last November, the High Court of Justice said that licenses were issued “seemingly without authority.”
The National Security Committee approves a measure granting extensions on refresher training for gun owners in light of the current security situation.
The Times of Israel Community.