A good small step beginning. The law needs to expand beyond the possession of one firearm and the 100-round limit. Should be all of Israel. Ben-Gvir is a Kahanist. He understands the need for Jews to be armed.
“A society whose members always rely on someone else to secure it is not sustainable, least of all in the Middle East. And so personal responsibility for safety and the ability to act accordingly are crucial if we are to ensure our survival for future decades and generations,” said Arbell. “Making defensive weapons available to the population is therefore strategically important for Israel’s security.”
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir plans to classify the southern cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod as “eligible residences” for those seeking firearm licenses.
On Monday, Ben-Gvir posted to social media an article from Haredim-Ashdod, a news outlet serving Ashdod’s ultra-Orthodox community, about his plans.
Following the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas massacre in southern Israel, Ben-Gvir adopted an aggressive policy of putting firearms in the hands of Israeli citizens, arguing that Israelis have a right to defend themselves and that the move would act as a force-multiplier in the fight against terror.
More than 350,000 have applied for firearms permits as a result of Ben-Gvir’s reforms, according to Israel Hayom. More than 205,000 licenses have been issued. The inclusion of Ashdod and Ashkelon would make another 200,000 citizens eligible.
By David Isaac
