After Hamas's brutal October 7 attack on Israel prompted a war between the most fierce Middle Eastern arch-nemesis, the latter has decided to arm its citizens in a desperate bid to enable them to protect themselves. Israel's Ministry of National Security (MNS), in one of its orders, announced the launching of an 'emergency operation to enable as many civilians as possible to arm themselves.'
Country's National Security Minister MK Itamar Ben Gvir directed the arms licensing department on Monday to make extraordinary measures to provide guns and bullets to the citizens. Following this, the department issued a new and relaxed set of rules which will facilitate the operation. Gvir also thanked the department for its swift action on the matter.
"I thank the staff of the Firearm Licensing Department, the civilian service unit in the Israel Police, and the Health Ministry staff for their important undertaking which will allow as many civilians as possible to be armed and to defend themselves and their surroundings should the need arise," Israel's official website quoted him as saying.
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The tweaked rules for licensing have simplified the process. According to the new rules, anyone (resident of eligible cities) without a criminal record or health problem can apply for an arms license. Eligible applicants can obtain the license within a week just by going through a telephone call. New licenses will provide leniency in purchasing the bullets, which will be increased to 100 from the present limit of 50.
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Israel's decision to arm the citizens came after it was caught off-guard on October 7 when gunmen from Hamas carried havoc on Israeli cities while almost 3000-3500 rockets were simultaneously fired from the Gaza strip targeting major cities and towns of the country.
In retaliation to the attack, Israel while announcing war launched the operation 'Swords of Iron' to 'annihilate the Hamas'. Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday declared that his country is at war in his tense address to the citizens.
“Citizens of Israel, we are at war. Not an operation, not a round [of fighting,] at war! This morning Hamas initiated a murderous surprise attack against the state of Israel and its citizens,” Netanyahu said in his filmed statement in Hebrew."