Israel is a country known for its complex history and unique security challenges. As a nation with mandatory military service for its citizens, the issue of gun ownership and licensing is a subject of great importance. In this post, we will delve into the gun license rules in Israel, providing a comprehensive overview of the regulations, eligibility criteria, and the broader context of firearm ownership in the country.
Gun License in Israel
A firearms license, also known as a firearms permit, is a legal authorization issued by designated institutions, often the police, in a country, province, or city. This license grants the holder the privilege to purchase, possess, and use firearms, typically for self-defense or specific activities like hunting and target shooting.
However, in Israel, obtaining a firearms license is not a guaranteed right but is subject to strict conditions, including background checks, safety courses, and adherence to local gun control policies.
In Israel, the possession of firearms is not a citizen’s inherent right but rather a regulated privilege requiring approval from the competent authority. The Firearms Law of 1949-559 outlines the framework for firearms licensing in the State of Israel. To acquire a firearms license, applicants must meet a set of strict criteria, which includes:
- Background Checks: Comprehensive psychological and criminal background checks are conducted to ensure applicants are fit to possess firearms responsibly.
- Completion of Safety Courses: Applicants are required to undergo firearms safety training to demonstrate their knowledge of responsible firearm usage.
- Specific Reasons for Ownership: The law provides a closed and exhaustive list of reasons for granting a license, such as self-defense, hunting, or engaging in shooting sports.
- Recommendation from a Senior Police Officer: The license issuance is based on a recommendation from a senior police officer, following evaluation and verification of the applicant’s suitability.
Eligibility Criteria for a Firearm License in Israel
Based on the law, there are specific reasons for which a person can be given a firearm license:
Living in an eligible settlement – a person who has proven that the center of his life takes place in a settlement, for which eligibility has been determined by the Israel Police (settlements that are problematic from a security point of view, usually beyond the green line).
Work in an eligible locality – a person who has proven that most of his work is carried out in a locality, for which eligibility has been determined by the Israel Police.
Explosives transport – holder of a valid license to transport explosives, who does this most of his working hours
Active service in the security forces – an officer at the rank of lieutenant or above or against the rank of sergeant or above, serving in the IDF in regular service, or in active reserve service, or equivalent to one of those serving in the security forces and/or serving in a special unit, in regular service or in the reserves according to a list established by an authorized person in the security forces.
Past service in the security forces – those who have served in the IDF and are at the rank of lieutenant colonel or higher, or their equivalent in the security forces and/or those who have served in a special unit in the security forces, from a list established by a person authorized to do so in the security forces and/or those who have served permanent service in the police Israel for at least two years.
Unique training – a graduate of a uniform security guard course at an airport authority security guard training school and/or a graduate of a security guard course at the Shin Bet at a training level determined by the competent authority and/or a graduate of an advanced level A security guard course at a training institution guided and approved by the police, provided that he worked in the body Police guide for at least two years.
A security officer in a recognized body – a security officer in a body recognized by the Israel Police, trained according to the requirements of the police, serves in this position in practice.
Individual recommendation of the Israel Police.
Firefighter – a firefighter on active duty, with at least one year of experience in his position.
Volunteer in a rescue organization – an active volunteer in organizations such as the Rescue Union or Zaka, who has at least one year of experience in his position.
Magen David Adom employee – permanent MDA employee in active service, with at least one year of experience in his position.
Shooting instructor – holder of a valid shooting instructor’s license.
Olympic athlete – active shooter – license for firearms used for Olympic shooting: a registered member of the Israel Shooting Association for two years in a row, who participated each season in five competitions recognized by the Shooting Association.
Non-Olympic athlete – active shooter – license for firearms that are not used for Olympic shooting: a registered member of the Israel Shooting Association for three consecutive years, who participated each season in five competitions recognized by the shooting association, of which two competitions are in the national league or in the Israel Championship.
Hunting – holder of a hunting license or hunting permit from the Nature Conservation and National Parks Authority.
Veterinary needs.
Guide – a certified and active guide who holds a valid guide license from the Ministry of Tourism and an affidavit, according to the format established by the competent authority.
Recognized farmer – whose need to possess firearms has been recognized by a security officer (security officer) of the regional councils at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Souvenir – a person who has inherited a firearm or who has a licensed firearm, and wishes to leave it deactivated for souvenir purposes.
Requirements
After having a specific reason as listed above, the person looking for a gun license in Israel must uphold the following requirements:
Anyone who is registered with the Ministry of the Interior as a permanent resident provided that he has stayed in Israel continuously for at least three years.
Has a basic command of the Hebrew language, in a way that will allow questioning, understanding instructions, and managing registration as required.
Minimum age for obtaining a license:
- an Israeli citizen who has served in the military, national service or civil service in Israel – 21.
- If special permission is granted from the Minister of Defense – from the age of 18.
- An Israeli citizen who did not serve as stated – 27.
- Whoever is not a citizen of Israel – 45.
Signature of a health declaration signed by a doctor, who reviewed the license applicant’s medical file, including a commitment to update the licensing official in the event of a change in the declared health condition.
Compliance with the required training requirements.
Official information can be viewed on the National Security Office’s official website.
Gun License in the IDF
Within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), handgun licenses are issued by IDF officers with a rank of lieutenant or higher, as well as commanders with a rank of major or higher. Additionally, combat commanders who served in the IDF with Rubai 08 and certain combat unit veterans are also eligible to issue licenses.
Related: The Tavor Rifle: Why Does the IDF Use the Tavor
Can an American Carry a Gun in Israel?
No.
This may surprise you, but the US Constitution does not apply to anywhere that is not US soil 🙂
Any US citizen (or any other country, for that matter) will need to have a proper license for a firearm, as specified above.