Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan approved a change in gun licensing policy that will make it easier for hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens who have served in IDF combat roles (Rifleman 07 and above) to obtain a firearm license.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



The change will allow more than 600,000 people to apply for a gun license, conditional on a satisfactory declaration of health and a police permit. Heretofore, even those who served in IDF combat roles could generally only obtain a gun license if they lived across the Green Line or worked in a security-related position.

Gilad Erdan (Photo: Avi Moalem)

In addition, Erdan also decided to allow all commissioned officers from the rank of lieutenant and non-commissioned officers from the rank of master sergeant to carry a weapon even after they complete their reserves service.

“Many civilians have saved lives during terror attacks. In an era of lone-wolf terror attacks, the more armed and trained civilians there are, the larger the chances of disrupting an attack and decreasing casualties,” the minister said.

Erdan also approved reforms that are meant to improve the vetting process for new applicants as well as for existing permit holders.

Volunteers at certain positions in the police force, as well as members of MDA and other emergency medical services, will also be eligible to carry a firearm under the new policy.

Another change, aimed at those possessing a license for private firearms lawfully and continuously for 10 years or more, is that they may continue to carry their weapon, even without further proof of compliance with the test.