Ben Gvir bars Jewish anti-Zionist movement from carrying guns

Israeli far-right Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has barred the anti-Zionist ultra-Orthodox community Neturei Karta from carrying personal firearms in Beit Shemesh, according to Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom. The gun reform, which was expanded to Beit Shemesh in October 2023, has already granted around 300,000 Israeli citizens firearm licenses.

While most residents of Beit Shemesh would be eligible for the license, Neturei Karta members were excluded based on their residential addresses. Ben Gvir emphasized the residents' right to defend themselves and their families, citing his promise to continue expanding the weapons reform to more cities and towns. The minister also singled out Neturei Karta, stating that those who support the Palestinian Liberation Front and take photos with terrorists are considered enemies.

In June, the number of firearm license applications had risen sharply since the end of 2023, with some 260,000 applications filed compared to over 400,000 in June 2022. Data from Haaretz shows that around 170,000 Israelis held firearm licenses before Ben Gvir took office, a number that has since more than doubled. Critics have raised concerns about the potential risks associated with more citizens carrying firearms, particularly in light of rising violence against Palestinians and women.