“We all know folks that like to tout Israel as an “armed” civilian haven. A lot of us know that is just not true.”
Yes and no. Many, many, if not most, Israelis have an M4 (or whatever) or a pistol in their home — but it is a government-owned weapon.
The key is to stay active in the reserves, and you continue to be issued weapons and ammo.
Actual private ownership of weapons is pretty restricted. When my family lived in Gush Katif, we owned shotguns, as well as our government weapons, permitted by the nature of where we lived. Remington 870s, specifically. No plug. 000 Buck.
Thanks for the update. Hope all is well.