Nine communities in the Sdot Dan Regional Council have been recognized as “eligible communities” for firearms after National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir approved the decision. Among the approved communities: Kfar Chabad, Tzafriya, Mishmar HaShiva, Zeitan, Nir Tzvi, Hemed, Yagel, Ahiezer, and Ganot. The decision came after staff work and professional review by the Israel Police and the Firearms Licensing and Supervision Division. Residents of the communities will be able to apply for a personal firearms license, subject to meeting the criteria and conditions set by law.
According to data released, in 2021, only six communities were recognized as eligible for firearms. In 2019, 2020, and 2022, no communities were approved. In 2023, 23 communities were recognized; in 2024, 21 were recognized, and in 2025, 80 communities were recognized. Since the start of 2026, 126 communities have already been recognized. It was also reported that since the reform was expanded, more than 280,000 citizens have received personal firearms licenses, and more than 200 communities have been recognized as eligible for firearms.
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said: “We are continuing the gun revolution and expanding it to more and more communities across the country. Residents of Kfar Chabad, Tzafriya, Mishmar HaShiva, and the other Sdot Dan communities are entitled to the ability to defend themselves and their families. We will continue to add communities to eligibility and allow as many citizens who meet the criteria as possible to defend themselves. My policy is clear: guns in the right hands save lives.”