Police minister vastly eases eligibility for gun licenses

Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan significantly eases restrictions on applications for gun permits in a move that will increase access to firearms for hundreds of thousands of Israelis.

Under the new guidelines, which Erdan’s office unveiled today, veterans of IDF infantry units will now be eligible to request a gun permit.

Additionally, officers and noncommissioned officers will no longer be required to return their gun permits or firearms after their release from active reserve duty.

“Many civilians saved lives during terror attacks,” says Erdan in a statement. “With more skilled civilians carrying guns, the chances of thwarting attacks without casualties will grow and the number of casualties will decrease.”