In Israel, over 42 000 people applied for weapons permits after Hamas ‘ unprecedented attack on October 7, with 18 000 of them receiving approval. Following the Hamas harm, there has been a sense of uncertainty behind this significant increase in the number of people who have applied for gun permits.
The safety ministry’s data shows that there are more programs than three times as many women’s permissions held before the war. Female organizations, however, have criticized this hurry to arms.
The softening of gun laws under Israel’s far-right government and its far-right security secretary Itamar Ben Gvir has contributed to the rise in gun ownership. As a result, more than 15, 000 people residents now own a rifle in Israel and the occupied West Bank, with 10, 000 enrolled in necessary training, according to the government.
Expressing a shift in her view, Limor Gonen, a political science professor, told AFP,” I would have never thought of buying a crossbow or getting a force, but since October 7, items changed a little bit”.
Gonen, after attending a mandatory weapons handling class, added,” We were all targeted ( on October 7 ) and I do n’t want to be taken by surprise, so I’m trying to defend myself”.
Under Ben Gvir’s authority, the process for obtaining a gun license has been simplified. According to Jewish media reports, the authorities were frequently clearing lots of enables every day right after the Hamas assault.
Being a citizen or permanent resident of Israel older than 18 years old, having a basic understanding of Hebrew, and having a medical clearance are currently required requirements for gun rights in Israel. But, non-Jews are hardly able to obtain a permit given the record of restrictions.
However, a large number of activists and organizations have expressed disapproval of the easy access plan, arguing that it could boost murders and violence.
Despite the criticism, some people feel safer with their new access to firearms. Yahel Reznik, a 24- yr- old neighborhood manager, said she then felt” a lot more healthy” in Ariel, a West Bank settlement. ” Thanks to my education I will be able to defend myself and protect people” from an assault, she told AFP.
The October 7 assault that triggered the conflict resulted in the deaths of 1, 194 people in Israel, typically residents, according to Jewish official statistics. In response, Israel’s hostile offensive has killed at least 37, 431 people in Gaza, even mostly civilians, according to the Hamas wellness department.
