[adam_az]

"Have you ever been to Israel?" Keyes asked the reporter. "Because if you've ever been to Israel, you wouldn't ask that question. And in the midst of terrifying dangers, you walk around the streets of Israel and you see every other person carrying arms and Uzis and so forth and so on, and believe me, you do not feel less safe on that account."

Israel actually has strict gun control. It's hard for civillians to get weapons unless they are in the reserves, live in a settlement, carry large amounts of cash, or are public transportation or cab drivers.

[yonif]

Yup. See my comment on #14.

[SJackson]

A couple years old, there has been some liberalization, but not much.

Firearms in Israel

Jews For The Preservation of Firearms Ownership, Inc.
P.O. Box 270143
Hartford, WI 53027

Phone (262) 673-9745
Fax (262) 673-9746

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Many have asked about the easy availability of firearms in the State of Israel, and whether or not they can bring their guns with them when visiting or settling there. Some have visited Israel, or have seen photographs of people walking the streets in Israel carrying firearms. Nearly everyone interested in the preservation of the Second Amendment in America points to Israel as proof of how ordinary citizens, armed and trained, are a deterrent to crime and terrorism. And it's true! However, a quick glance at the rigid gun laws in Israel will show that it has far stricter firearms laws than many people, including myself, previously thought. Enjoy reading the translation as much as I enjoyed translating the document!

In liberty,
Rabbi R. Mermelstein

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The Israel Dept. of the Interior makes notification to the general public the requirements necessary for the obtaining of a permit to possess a firearm:

1. Applicant must be a permanent resident of Israel for 3 consecutive years prior to making application for a firearms permit.

2. Applicant must be 21 years of age.

3. The permit request must be for personal use, not to engage in the business of firearms sales.

4. Applicant must fall into one of the following categories:

a. Part-time reservist (volunteer) for 3 years- may own 1 handgun
b. Such a reservist (volunteer) is a member of a gun club- may own 1 rifle
c. Professional, licensed public transportation driver, transporting a minimum of 5 passengers- may own 1 handgun
d. Licensed animal control officer- may own 2 hunting rifles, *not* full automatic weapons, or semi-automatic weapons with a limited capacity magazine.
e. Full-time dealer of jewelry or large sums of cash or valuables- may own 1 handgun

West Bank and Gaza Strip Settlers:

1. A resident in a militarily strategic buffer zone, essential to the security of the State of Israel- may own 1 handgun

2. A business owner in these geographic areas- may own 1 handgun

Veterans:

1. Veterans of the Regular Army honorably discharged with the rank of noncommissioned officer, and veterans of the Reserve Army with the rank of regimental commander- may own 1 handgun

2. Retired law enforcement officers with the rank of sergeant- may own 1 handgun

3. Retired prison guards with the rank of squadron commander- may own 1 handgun

Individuals:

Upon presenting documentation that one is about to receive a souvenir, a prize, an inheritance, or an award of appreciation from the Israel military.

[The Scourge of Yazid]

You're not talking about giving citizens access to atom bombs and other things," the former presidential candidate said. "That's ridiculous."

Extremist, Illinois-based freeper, believes in individuals right to bear nuclear weapons:

That's it! He's just lost himself a vote.

On a serious note, his conception of Israeli gun laws is kind of skewed.

Granted, the restrictions imposed upon those living in places like Gush Katif have probably been eased since Arafat unleashed his wave of Terror on Israel, but I don't think that has led to average citizens walking around with uzis and submachine guns.

[SauronOfMordor]

Israel actually has strict gun control. It's hard for civillians to get weapons unless they are in the reserves, live in a settlement, carry large amounts of cash, or are public transportation or cab drivers.

Excuse me, but isn't Israel a country where EVERY Jew is required to do a stint in the military, followed by being in Reserve status until his forties? SO the restrictions would mainly only exclude Palestinians?

[outlawcam]

It's hard for civillians to get weapons unless they are in the reserves,

As Israel has mandatory national service, this doesn't seem to be too difficult a restriction to bypass.

[duckln]

Israel actually has strict gun control

That wasn't Keyes point concerning Israel. He's making the point that when there's trouble afoot, a better armed society on the streets is desirable. If an Israeli can get a gun because of carrying cash around or because he lives in a settlement, then there must be IMO oodles of reasons they can do so. Upshot is they do have the right to bear , even if it's defacto, and Keyes is right on.

I can't understand why 'freepers' are nit picking Keyes. Or are they really FINO's.