Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Israel. 2019 ‘Firearm licensing in Israel.’ Firearm licensing in Israel. Jerusalem: Ministry of Internal Security. 11 April
Relevant contents
The list of eligibility criteria was updated and signed by the Minister of Public Security on November 20, 2018.
Preconditions for obtaining a personal firearm license:
- An individual who is listed by the Ministry of the Interior as a citizen or permanent resident, and who has been in Israel for at least three years prior to their application for a firearm license. The Firearm Licensing Department can grant a license to a citizen or permanent resident even if they have not spent the last three years in Israel, on condition that the individual has served in the Israeli military or national service.
- An individual with at least a basic knowledge of Hebrew – the ability to answer questions, follow instructions and complete forms as required. The applicant's level of Hebrew is evaluated by a firearm clerk.
Minimum age requirement:
- A citizen or permanent resident of Israel who has completed compulsory military service – age 18.
- A citizen or permanent resident of Israel who has completed two years of national service – age 21.
- An Israeli citizen who has not completed military or national service as per the above – age 27.
- A permanent resident of Israel who does not have citizenship and has not completed military or national service – age 45.
- A health declaration signed by a medical doctor.
- Completion of the required firearm training, including theoretical exam and practical shooting requirements, as per the Firearm Training Ordinance of 2018.
Eligibility criteria:
1 Residency in an eligible location, as designated by the Israel Police
2 Occupation in an eligible location, as designated by the Israel Police
3 A tour guide with a valid license
4 An active farmer whose need for a firearm has been officially recognized
5 A transporter of explosive material with a valid license
6 Current or past service in the security forces:
- Officers in the IDF with the rank of first lieutenant or above, non-commissioned officers with the rank of first sergeant or above and equivalent ranks in additional security forces.
- Service in a special unit of the security forces
- IDF and Israel Police – rifleman 07 or rifleman 08 certification.
7 Current or past service in the Israel Police:
- A police officer who has served in the Israel Police for at least two years.
- An active volunteer in the Israel Police, as per the police's policy.
8 Special-purpose training:
- Completion of one of a number of specific training courses offered by the Israel Airports Authority
- Completion of the Israel Security Agency security guard course
- Completion of the Director of Security of the Defense Establishment security guard course
9 Individual recommendation by the Israel police
10 An active security officer in a recognized organization
11 An active firefighter in the Israel Fire and Rescue Authority, with at least two years of experience
12 An active rescue organization worker or volunteer with at least one year of experience, as per the regulations
13 An active shooting instructor employed by a recognized shooting range
14 A professional marksman who has been a member of the Israel Shooting Federation for at least two or three years, as per the regulations
15 A hunter with a valid license
16 A veterinarian with a valid license or a veterinarian's assistant
17 A level 2 certified exterminator with a valid license
18 A keepsake – an individual who has inherited a firearm or who possesses a firearm with a valid license and wishes to deactivate it and retain it as a keepsake.
The information provided in English is for explanatory purposes only. In case of any discrepancy, the definitive and binding version is the Hebrew wording of the law or the information provided by the Ministry of Public Security in Hebrew.