It always astonished me that while the Israeli government has never had a problem with its soldiers carrying loaded guns out of uniform or in civilian areas, e.g.
…it has always been difficult — almost impossible — for civilians to get a license to own, let alone carry guns. (My buddy Dov, who lives in Israel for much of the year, once told me that it was easier to get a carry permit in 1990s Chicago than in embattled Eretz’ Israel. Go figure.)
Since the most recent unpleasantness in Jerusalem, however, it seems that the IzGov has had a change of heart:
The security cabinet passed a measure to make it easier for law-abiding Israeli citizens to procure licenses for carrying firearms, which in Israel is notoriously difficult.
“When civilians have guns, they can defend themselves,” National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, told reporters on Saturday night.
Ya don’t say, Minister.
Took the Izzies long enough, but there ya go: at some point, sanity had to prevail.
