Israel allows citizens to possess guns; Ben Gvir approves move

Tel Aviv: Israel has expanded access to personal firearms in the southern city of Beersheba, triggering fresh controversy after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir approved a move allowing thousands of residents to apply for personal gun licences.

According to the minister's office, the decision extends a wider initiative launched after the October 7 attacks to increase the number of armed civilians across the country. Officials said more than 280,000 new gun licences have already been issued under the programme, with over 200 locations nationwide selected for its implementation.

Ben-Gvir hailed the expansion to Beersheba, widely known as the capital of the Negev, arguing that residents should have the means to protect themselves and their families. He also indicated that the programme would be extended to more cities, with the goal of enabling as many civilians as possible to exercise self-defence.

The move, however, has reignited fierce criticism, with opponents warning that placing more firearms in civilian hands could fuel tensions and deepen social instability. The government's plan to broaden access to weapons under police oversight has drawn growing scrutiny from multiple quarters.

Ben-Gvir has consistently pushed to relax firearm regulations, citing Israel's changing security environment. The latest expansion is also being justified on the grounds of rising internal crime and other security threats in the Negev region.

The decision has sparked renewed debate both inside and outside Israel, with critics warning that easier civilian access to firearms could carry far-reaching social consequences and further strain an already volatile security landscape.