National Security Minister
Itamar Ben-Gvir says many Israelis are arming themselves by applying to carry personal weapons.
On X, Ben-Gvir
said, “Tens of thousands of conditional permits and actual licenses for personal weapons were given to eligible citizens. We have opened hundreds of new standby classes across the country. We have made dozens of simplifications and changes in the tests.
“Due to a large load, I call on everyone – be patient. Check your eligibility and go arm yourself.”
Last month, he
said 4,000 Israeli-made assault rifles would be given out in a first round of distribution to “volunteer teams” in the occupied territories and towns with mixed population. Another 6,000 such weapons will follow.
Fears have been raised that the move could fuel illegal settler violence, which
has already increased significantly since the October 7 Hamas attack.