Beersheba has been added to the list of communities whose residents may apply for personal firearm licenses under a 2023 reform led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. A professional review by the Israel Police and the Firearms Licensing Division supported the decision. In 2026 alone, 126 communities were added and individual gun owners rose from about 150,000 to roughly 300,000. Since expansion, over 280,000 licenses have been issued and more than 200 communities—including parts of Jerusalem, Netanya and Ashdod—are now eligible.
Beersheba Added to List of Communities Eligible for Personal Firearm Licenses
Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben-Gvir at a press conference, June 22 2026. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Beersheba has been added to the expanding roster of Israeli cities and communities whose residents may apply for personal firearm licenses, the National Security Ministry announced on Sunday.
The move is part of a broad firearms reform launched in 2023 by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The decision followed an extensive professional review by the Israel Police and officials in the Firearms Licensing Division; Ben-Gvir was also involved in the clearance process.
Key Numbers and Scope
In 2026 alone, authorities added 126 communities to the list of eligible locations. During the same period, the number of individual gun owners nearly doubled—from about 150,000 before the Israel-Hamas war to roughly 300,000 after it began. Since the reform was expanded, more than 280,000 citizens have been issued personal firearm licenses and over 200 communities have been recognized as eligible, including parts of Jerusalem, Netanya, and Ashdod.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and committee head MK Zvika Fogel attend a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament on March 24, 2026. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
Policy Rationale and Official Statements
Minister Ben-Gvir has pushed to broaden eligibility criteria to additional towns and localities. He frames the policy as securing citizens' right to self-defense while strengthening the State of Israel's overall security posture. "A weapon in the right hands saves lives," Ben-Gvir has repeatedly said. After the Beersheba announcement he added: "I am proud to continue the firearms revolution and expand it to the capital of the Negev as well. The residents of Beersheba, like all citizens of the State of Israel, have a basic right to protect themselves and their family members."
Photo: National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and committee head MK Zvika Fogel attend a National Security committee meeting at the Knesset on March 24, 2026. (Credit: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
What This Means
The expansion makes it possible for more residents to seek licensed firearms for personal protection under the revised rules. The change is likely to shape local security dynamics and is part of an ongoing policy debate about balancing civilian self-defense rights with public-safety concerns.
Background: The broader reform package introduced in 2023 continues to be rolled out in stages, with local eligibility determined following professional reviews by police and licensing officials.
Help us improve.
