"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein
Firearms in Israel
Many have asked about the easy availability of firearms in the State of
Israel, and whether or not they can bring their guns with them when
visiting or settling there. Some have visited Israel, or have seen
photographs of people walking the streets in Israel carrying firearms.
Nearly everyone interested in the preservation of the Second Amendment
in America points to Israel as proof of how ordinary citizens, armed
and trained, are a deterrent to crime and terrorism. And it's true!
However, a quick glance at the rigid gun laws in Israel will show that
it has far stricter firearms laws than many people, including myself,
previously thought. Enjoy reading the translation as much as I enjoyed
translating the document!
Sincerely,
Rabbi R. Mermelstein
The Israel
Dept. of the Interior makes notification to the general public the
requirements necessary for the obtaining of a permit to possess a
firearm:
1. Applicant must be a permanent resident of Israel for 3 consecutive years prior to making application for a firearms permit.
2. Applicant must be 21 years of age.
3. The permit request must be for personal use, not to engage in the business of firearms sales.
4. Applicant must fall into one of the following categories:
a. Part-time reservist (volunteer) for 3 years- may own 1 handgun
b. Such a reservist (volunteer) is a member of a gun club- may own 1 rifle
c. Professional, licensed public transportation
driver, transporting a minimum of 5 passengers- may own 1 handgun
d. Licensed animal control officer- may own 2
hunting rifles, *not* full automatic weapons, or semi-automatic weapons
with a limited capacity magazine.
e. Full-time dealer of jewelry or large sums of cash or valuables- may own 1 handgun
West Bank and Gaza Strip Settlers:
1. A resident in a militarily strategic buffer zone, essential to the security of the State of Israel- may own 1 handgun
2. A business owner in these geographic areas- may own 1 handgun
Veterans:
1. Veterans of the Regular Army honorably discharged with the rank of
noncommissioned officer, and veterans of the Reserve Army with the rank
of regimental commander- may own 1 handgun
2. Retired law enforcement officers with the rank of sergeant- may own 1 handgun
3. Retired prison guards with the rank of squadron commander- may own 1 handgun
Individuals:
Upon presenting documentation that one is about to receive a souvenir,
a prize, an inheritance, or an award of appreciation from the Israel
military.
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