Beersheba residents now eligible for firearm licenses under expanded reform

The National Security Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Beersheba residents are now eligible to apply for personal firearm licenses, as part of a broad firearms reform introduced in 2023 by Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. In 2026 alone, eligible communities rose by 126, and gun owners nearly doubled from 150,000 before the war to 300,000 after. Over 280,000 citizens have received licenses, and more than 200 communities are eligible, including parts of Jerusalem, Netanya, and Ashdod. Ben-Gvir stated, 'A weapon in the right hands saves lives.'

The National Security Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Beersheba residents are now eligible to apply for personal firearm licenses, expanding a firearms reform introduced in 2023 by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The decision followed a professional review by the Israel Police and the Firearms Licensing Division. In 2026 alone, the number of eligible communities rose by 126, and gun owners nearly doubled from 150,000 before the Israel-Hamas War to 300,000 after. Since the reform expanded, over 280,000 citizens have received licenses, and more than 200 communities are eligible, including areas of Jerusalem, Netanya, and Ashdod. Ben-Gvir, who continues to push for further expansion, said, 'A weapon in the right hands saves lives.' He also stated, 'I am proud to continue the firearms revolution and expand it to the capital of the Negev as well.' The policy reflects his belief in the right to self-defense and contribution to national protection.