Key facts
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir excluded the anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox community Neturei Karta from carrying firearms in Beit Shemesh.
- The exclusion is part of a broader gun reform initiative that has granted licenses to around 300,000 Israelis.
- Ben Gvir cited the community's anti-Zionist stance and alleged associations with Palestinian groups as reasons for exclusion.
- Eligibility for expanded gun licensing is determined by residents' addresses.
- Experts have raised concerns about the ramifications of increased firearm availability, particularly regarding violence against Palestinians and women.
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has ordered the exclusion of the anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox community Neturei Karta from carrying personal firearms in Beit Shemesh, a city with a significant ultra-Orthodox population. This decision comes as part of a broader expansion of gun licensing regulations initiated by Ben Gvir.
According to Israel Hayom, the minister extended his gun reform to Beit Shemesh, easing regulations for residents to carry firearms. Since Ben Gvir assumed office, approximately 300,000 Israeli citizens have been granted gun licenses, and over 200 communities are now eligible. However, streets where Neturei Karta members reside have been specifically excluded from this expanded scheme.
Ben Gvir stated his pride in continuing the weapons reform and emphasized the right of residents who "love the State of Israel" to self-defense. He further commented that individuals who "pride himself with the PLO [Palestinian Liberation Front] flag and takes photos with terrorists is an enemy," justifying the exclusion of extremist neighborhoods.
The number of firearm license applications has seen a sharp increase, with over 400,000 filed as of June last year, compared to around 170,000 before Ben Gvir's appointment. Experts have voiced concerns about the potential ramifications of increased gun availability, citing rising violence against Palestinians and women. The Israel Democracy Institute noted that Ben Gvir's reforms primarily benefit Jewish citizens, potentially endangering non-Jewish individuals.