The series of terrorist attacks that have been taking place in Israel over the recent month have seen a steady increase in the number of Israelis applying for firearm permits, and according to sources in the Public Security Ministry, which enforces gun-control regulations, the shooting in Hadera on Sunday has seen a staggering 700% spike in these numbers.
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Between 9 p.m. on Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday, 433 Israelis applied for a firearm license. The daily average is 60, the ministry noted.
A spike in the number of Israelis seeking firearms permits is often seen the wake of terrorist attacks, but the 12 hours following the ISIS attack in central Israel resulted in a highly unusual uptick in applications.
The ministry said it the daily rate of permit applications to wane in the coming days, as it usually does.
Unlike the United States, Israel does not offer its citizens any "right to bear arms" within its framework of basic laws. In fact – and contrary to common misconception – the Jewish state has some of the strictest gun-control laws in the world.
Moreover, unlike in the US, where guns are readily available for purchase, even Israelis who have completed their military service cannot apply for a license before the age of 20. Those who did not serve in the IDF, for whatever reason, have to wait until they're 27 to seek a firearm license.
All applicants are required to provide proof of compliance with a long list of requirements and the type of firearm and number of bullets that a licensed firearm holder is permitted to purchase is limited.
Each type of firearm requires a separate license and assault rifles are off-limits – the most a civilian can apply for is a pistol.
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