• Number of communities eligible for firearm licenses in Israel has increased by 126 in 2026, with gun owners doubling since before the Israel-Hamas War.
• Beersheba is the latest city to join the list of Israeli communities where residents can apply for personal firearm licenses, part of a broader firearms reform introduced by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in 2023.
• Over 280,000 citizens have received personal firearm licenses since the reform expansion, with more than 200 communities recognized as eligible, including areas in Jerusalem, Netanya, and Ashdod.

In 2026 alone, the number of communities eligible for firearm licenses has risen by 126, while gun owners have doubled since before the start of the Israel-Hamas War.

Beersheba has joined a growing list of Israeli cities and communities whose residents are eligible to apply for personal firearm licenses, the National Security Ministry confirmed on Sunday.

The move is part of a broad firearms reform introduced in 2023 by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The decision was made following an extensive professional review by the Israel Police and officials in the Firearms Licensing Division, who examined the matter, as well as Ben-Gvir himself.

In 2026 alone, the number of eligible communities has risen by 126, and the number of individual gun owners has nearly doubled from 150,000 before the war to 300,000 after it.

Since the reform was expanded, more than 280,000 citizens have received personal firearm licenses, while more than 200 communities have been recognized as eligible. These include areas of Jerusalem, Netanya, and Ashdod.

Ben-Gvir: 'A weapon in the right hands saves lives'

Ben-Gvir continues to push for the eligibility criteria to be expanded to additional cities and communities. The policy reflects his belief that Israeli citizens have a fundamental right to defend themselves and their families, while also contributing to the protection of the State of Israel.