- In the wake of the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas, a profound sense of insecurity has gripped many Israelis, leading to a significant spike in the number of women seeking gun permits.
- According to the Israeli security ministry, 42,000 women have applied for firearms licenses since the attack, with 18,000 of these applications already approved.
- The October 7 incident resulted in the deaths of 1,194 individuals in Israel, predominantly civilians.
- Current eligibility criteria for gun ownership in Israel require applicants to be citizens or permanent residents over the age of 18, possess a basic command of Hebrew, and have medical clearance.
- An Israeli initiative led by feminist activists, has voiced strong opposition to the proliferation of firearms among civilians.
In the wake of the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas, a profound sense of insecurity has gripped many Israelis, leading to a significant spike in the number of women seeking gun permits. According to the Israeli security ministry, 42,000 women have applied for firearms licenses since the attack, with 18,000 of these applications already approved. This surge has more than doubled the number of women holding gun permits in Israel compared to pre-war levels.
The increase in gun permit requests can be attributed to the relaxation of firearms regulations under Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s far-right security minister. Ben Gvir’s policies have facilitated easier access to firearms for civilians, especially within the context of the current right-wing government. The ministry reports that over 15,000 women now legally possess firearms in Israel and the occupied West Bank, with an additional 10,000 women currently undergoing mandatory training.
Political science professor Limor Gonen, who attended a weapons handling class at a shooting range in the West Bank settlement of Ariel, expressed her shift in perspective post-attack. The October 7 incident resulted in the deaths of 1,194 individuals in Israel, predominantly civilians, triggering a retaliatory offensive by Israel that has claimed the lives of over 37,431 people in Gaza, as per the territory’s health ministry.
Gonen’s sentiment reflects a broader sense of urgency among many Israelis to be better prepared for potential threats. “We were all targeted (on October 7) and I don’t want to be taken by surprise, so I’m trying to defend myself,” she stated, highlighting the motivation behind her decision to pursue a firearm permit.
Even before the recent conflict, Ben Gvir had pledged to overhaul firearms legislation upon becoming security minister in late 2022. He aimed to increase the number of civilians with access to firearms and enhance “self-defense capacity.” Following the Hamas attack, the gun permit approval process was expedited, with Israeli media noting that hundreds of permits were being cleared daily.
Current eligibility criteria for gun ownership in Israel require applicants to be citizens or permanent residents over the age of 18, possess a basic command of Hebrew, and have medical clearance. However, these criteria effectively limit the ability of non-Jews to obtain permits, leading to concerns about inclusivity and equity.
Despite the increased sense of security among new permit holders, this rush to arm civilians has sparked significant criticism. The Gun Free Kitchen Tables Coalition, an Israeli initiative led by feminist activists, has voiced strong opposition to the proliferation of firearms among civilians. A spokesperson for the coalition emphasized that individual safety should be the responsibility of the state, not a justification for widespread civilian armament.
Ben Gvir, who himself resides in a West Bank settlement, has celebrated the milestone of surpassing 100,000 civilian weapon owners in March, showcasing his own firearm at a rally. Nonetheless, his aggressive push for increased gun ownership continues to draw controversy amid the complex and evolving security landscape in Israel.
(With inputs from agencies)
