Israel’s decision to add Safed to the list of towns where residents can more easily obtain gun licenses is another step in Itamar Ben-Gvir’s push to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not left defenseless. This comes as an estimated 400,000 illegal firearms already circulate in Israel—overwhelmingly within Arab communities and in the hands of criminal elements and potential terrorists. Those intent on violence do not apply for permits.
Since late 2023, more than 240,000 new legal gun licenses have been issued, primarily to Jewish citizens living in high-risk areas. This is not a policy failure; it is a correction to an existing imbalance in which the bad actors were already armed, and the law-abiding were not.
By expanding legal gun ownership, Israel is moving closer to the American Second Amendment philosophy: when criminals and hostile actors ignore the law, responsible, vetted civilians should not be left defenseless. In Israel’s reality, that means Jewish citizens—especially those living near persistent threats—must be able to protect themselves and their families. It restores deterrence and gives law-abiding Israelis a fighting chance when seconds matter.
Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Safed (Tzfat) today (Tuesday) for a tour of the city alongside the mayor and council members, and announced that Safed is joining the list of towns eligible to apply for personal gun licenses as part of the expansion of the gun reform.
The decision will apply to most parts of the city, allowing many residents to apply for a personal gun license as part of the effort to strengthen personal security and protect the civilian home front.
The announcement was made during a professional meeting and tour in Safed with Mayor Yossi Kakon, where Minister Ben-Gvir informed that the city of Safed is joining the list of towns eligible for gun licenses. During the meeting, the minister was presented with the security needs of the towns, the emergency response teams that the minister has established, and more.
