Gun permit applications continued to break records in April and the Israeli public seeks to defense against the recent wave of terrorism.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The number of civilians applying for firearm permits over the past six weeks has reached 18,450 – a number that exceeds the annual average, sources in the Public Security Ministry, which enforces gun-control regulations, said.
Over the past week alone 2,356 Israelis have applied for carrying permits, the data shows.
"This is unprecedented," a Public Security Ministry official said.
"This is a high and unusual figure compared to similar periods in recent years, which were characterized by zero activity [in terms of applications]. This is a clear trend that has been characteristic of the current wave of terrorism."
The increase in applications has prompted the ministry to increase personnel to handle all the applications in a timely manner.
Data from the Firearms Licensing Division in the ministry shows that on average, 65% of all firearms license applications are granted, and 35% are either denied or pulled by the applicants.
Israel has some of the strictest gun-control laws in the world and unlike in the United States, Israeli law does not offer citizens any "right to bear arms."
All applicants are required to provide proof of compliance with a long list of mandatory 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.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
