Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan today approved changes making it easier to obtain a gun license, due to the security situation. "In recent weeks, many civilians have helped the Israel Police arrest terrorists who committed acts of terrorism. Civilians trained in the use of firearms are a force multiplier in the struggle against terrorism, and I have therefore taken measures to make it easier to get a license at this time," he said.
In an announcement made from his office, Erdan explained the new policy. Among other things, bureaucratic barriers were removed, requirements for a minimum length of time served as an officer were eliminated, and instructions were issued as to which IDF officers would be allowed to bear arms when off duty.
Under the new regulations, any officer with a rank of first lieutenant or higher, and an NCO with a rank of master sergeant or higher, serving in the IDF in regular service or the reserves, or anyone with an equivalent rank in any of the security services, will be allowed to bear arms when off duty. Up until now, only an officer with a rank of first lieutenant or higher has been allowed to bear arms off duty. In addition, the distinction between the ranks of officers serving in the permanent army and on active reserve duty, according to the level of the officers course completed, has been eliminated, as has the requirement of two years served in the rank involved in order to be entitled to a firearms license.
In selected communities, the local authority can authorize all the residents of the community to bear arms, subject to the provisions of the law and the necessary permits. In other words, in places where the government regards it as necessary, the bureaucratic barriers to obtaining a firearms license will be removed, and the municipalities can expedite the process of obtaining a license.
Another section of the regulations lists which special units and reconnaissance battalions in the security forces will be entitled to bear arms when off duty: civilians who have completed courses of the Israel Airports Authority, the Israel Security Agency, and any training institution approved by the Israel Police. Furthermore, in contrast to the current situation, the grounds for eligibility to bear arms will not be reassessed when personal firearms possessed according to temporary regulations are replaced.
Erdan also instructed the relevant professional parties to consider an improvement in the training and professionalism of those in possession of personal firearms. For example, shortening the time between shooting practice from once in three years to once a year will be considered, as will the type of training.
Erdan is thereby adopting the recommendation by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, who published an official announcement last week calling on civilians with firearms licenses to carry their weapon with them. "The mayor is encouraging those with weapons licenses to carry their firearms with them in order to bolster security, and is providing a personal example," the Jerusalem municipality announced.
In a press interview, Barkat said, "We see that in the course of the recent events in Jerusalem and throughout Israel, people bearing firearms and former soldiers with battle experience are able to intervene. This is a force multiplier... This is very, very important for security and the feeling of security. I regard it as an advantage.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 14, 2015
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