Since Hamas’s October 7 massacre in southern Israel, Israelis have submitted more than 403,000 gun license requests, according to figures presented to the Knesset National Security Committee.
Of those, over 217,000 received conditional approval, with 165,000 finalized as permanent licenses. About 177,000 applications were rejected.
The National Security Ministry says some 335,000 Israelis now legally own firearms. The sharp increase followed the attack in which terrorists killed 1,200 people and abducted 251 to Gaza.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir argues that arming civilians makes the streets safer during terror attacks. But critics, including women’s advocacy groups, warn that more guns at home heighten the risk of domestic violence.