Israeli women apply for gun permits after October 7 Hamas attacks

Photo : AFP

Since the October 7 Hamas attacks, there has been a significant surge in Israeli women applying for gun permits. More than 42,000 women have sought permits, with over 18,000 already approved, marking a threefold increase from pre-war numbers. This increase comes amid heightened insecurity following the October 7 attacks, which claimed 1,194 lives in Israel. In response, more than 15,000 women in Israel and the occupied West Bank now own firearms, with 10,000 undergoing mandatory training, according to the security ministry.

The surge in applications follows the easing of gun laws by Israel's right-wing government and security minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who took office in late 2022 promising to bolster civilian firearm ownership for self-defense. Under Ben Gvir's tenure, the process for obtaining a gun license has been expedited, with hundreds of permits cleared daily immediately after the attacks. Eligibility criteria include citizenship or permanent residency, proficiency in Hebrew, and medical clearance, effectively limiting permits to Jewish citizens.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel    

Criticism of the increase in civilian arms ownership has been voiced by groups like the Gun Free Kitchen Tables Coalition, which argues that more firearms could escalate violence and endanger women. However, proponents like Yahel Reznik, a community manager from Ariel, cite increased personal safety as a reason for acquiring a firearm. In Netanya, Corine Nissim, an English teacher and mother, highlighted a sense of self-reliance and security as motivating factors behind her decision to own a gun.

The debate over civilian gun ownership reflects broader tensions and fears in the region, exacerbated by ongoing violence and political instability.

#trending #latest #IsraelGunPermits #HamasAttacks #WomenSecurity #SelfDefense #GunOwnership #IsraeliSafety #breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai

SeaWorld Yas Island and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center have received accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), becoming only the...Read More.

Authorities were first alerted in March by food inspectors. After months of surveillance, they arrested the pizzeria's manager at his residence, uncovering a dr...Read More.