Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has reportedly approved personal firearms licences for residents of 41 Jewish neighbourhoods in Jerusalem, making over 3,00,000 people eligible to obtain a gun.
The move creates blanket eligibility for gun licences for residents of these areas, regardless of their background or affiliation with Israel's security forces.
Ben Gvir urged residents to obtain gun licences, stating, 'Precisely in the shadow of the war and during Ramadan, Jerusalem residents have a basic right to defend themselves and their families.'
The demand for firearm permits in Israel surged after Hamas attacked the country on October 7, 2023, and the latest move is particularly sensitive given the ongoing war with Iran.
The 41 neighbourhoods included under the measure are: Talpiot, Shimon HaTzadik, Emek Refaim, Meker Baruch, Meker Haim, Machane Yehuda, Zichron Moshe, Kiryat HaChadassim, Holyland, Geula, Erez HaBira, Rechavia, Ramat Denia, Ramat Sharet, Ramat Eshkol, Romema, Kiryat Menachem, Kiryat Yovel, Kiryat Shmuel, Katamon HaYeshana, Pat, Ir Ganim, Ein Kerem, Sanhedria, N'vei Yaakov, Nachlaot, Center of the City, Ma'alot Dafna, Mamilla, Manahat Malcha, Mea Shearim, Kiryat Moshe, Komemiyut, Bukharim, The German Colony, Beit Israel, Baka, Beit VeGan, Beit HaKerem, and Givat Mordechai.
