News/Commentary

‘Too little, too late’: Israel issues emergency directive to ‘allow’ citizens to arm themselves

October 9, 2023 | | Print Article

Facing the prospect of a prolonged war and with a counter-offensive mounting, Israel’s Second Amendment-lacking citizenry was granted new permissions “to allow as many citizens as possible to arm themselves.”

Since Hamas terrorists launched their attack on the people of Israel, killing more than 700 people and taking dozens hostage, the Israel Defense Force’s response has been one of increasing force. In addition to calling up 300,000 reservists while launching strikes against the “evil, dark, medieval extremists” a new statement from Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir captured the intensity of the lingering danger.

“Today I directed the Firearms Licensing Division to go on an emergency operation, in order to allow as many citizens as possible to arm themselves,” Ben-Gvir detailed on X as the nation sought to prevent civilians from being caught defenseless for the duration of the threat. “The plan will take effect within 24 hours.”

Unlike Ukraine where the government handed out rifles to civilians willing to stand and fight against Russian forces at the onset of the invasion, Israel’s reaction remained tempered as regulations were loosened rather than lifted.

“Any citizen who meets the detailed tests for carrying a private firearm due to self-defense and serving the security forces, and is without a criminal or medical record, will be required to undergo a telephone interview instead of a physical interview, and will be able to receive permission to carry a firearm within a week,” the first point stated.

The minister then explained, “Any citizen who received a conditional permit to purchase a firearm and did not purchase a firearm during the year 2023 and the conditional license has expired, will be able to purchase a firearm now without the need to submit another application. The exemption will apply to about 4000 citizens.”

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“Any citizen who deposited his weapon in the last six months due to failure to perform refresher training or renewal training,” he further stated, “will be able to receive his weapon back. The exemption will apply to about 1800 citizens.”

Lastly among the main points, Ben-Gvir wrote, “In addition, starting next Tuesday, conditional permits to carry firearms will be issued with a permit allowing the purchase of up to 100 bullets instead of 50 today.”

Setting aside those who would challenge Israeli’s right to defend themselves, greater concern was shared over the “too little, too late” aspect of the regulations as many critiques asserted that if there was any nation in the world that should allow the right to bear arms to flourish, it would be Israel.

“‘allow'” chided one in response to Ben-Gvir, “absolutely pathetic, they should’ve been able to own firearms this whole time.”

“100 bullets is nothing,” wrote another. “1000 minimum. I shoot 200 every range day and I go twice a week.”

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Kevin Haggerty
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