Contentious Israeli figure advocates for adapting U.S. firearm regulations as a potential model for Israel's own gun policies.
Loose Cannon: #### Israel's Explosive Security Minister Drools Over American Guns
Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's notorious thumb-twister, recently embarked on a USA tour, where he rubbed shoulders with the Donald Trump, a bunch of high-profile Republicans, and even snagged some time at Yale. And let's not forget the heart of the matter - guns!
In a bold display of admiration, Ben-Gvir gushed about America's gun culture, particularly the abundance of firearms available. "I was astonished by the sheer volume and variety of weapons," Ben-Gvir boasted in an interview with our website Digital. The controversial Israeli politician, known for his hawkish views and unabashed promotion of wider firearm distribution in Israel, said his trip to the States gave him new insights.
During his American adventure, Ben-Gvir paid a visit to a firing range and a gun store, clearly enthralled by the experience. "Even I haven't reached that level," he admitted, forcing déjà vu among those who remember his attempts to arm militias - claims he vehemently denies. Nevertheless, he praised the Americans for their gun policies, stating, "One of the important lessons we can learn from the Americans is their policy on weapons."
This isn't the first time Ben-Gvir has advocated for increased firearm access in Israel. Before the tragic October 7 massacre in 2023, Israel was strict about who was eligible for a firearm license. But that changed after the attacks, with Ben-Gvir leading the charge to loosen eligibility requirements. The number of gun permits in Israel skyrocketed from 8,000 to 200,000, thanks to Ben-Gvir's "historic reform" [1]. His policy emphasizes arming civilians to deter terrorism and enhance personal security, as he confidently asserted, "When someone carries a weapon, they feel safer."
Critics argue that Ben-Gvir's policy endangers domestic violence victims and allows easy access for the psychopaths who might abuse such laws. One victim's brother lashed out at the policy, stating, "This policy is enabling predators." [1] But Ben-Gvir remains unfazed, vowing full support for police using lethal force in self-defense and championing broader officer discretion against suspects [1][3].
Ben-Gvir's strong stance on guns continues to polarize Israeli society, prompting concerns about public safety. Amid growing tensions, we can't help but wonder what the future holds for Israel under Ben-Gvir's controversial reign.
Rachel Wolf - Breaking News Writer for our website Digital and FOX Business.
Amelie Botbol contributed to this report.
[1] Israel National News (2025). "Critics Fear Increased Gun Activity in Israel Following October 7 Attacks." https://www.israelnationalnews.com/
[2] Times of Israel (2024). "Expanded Firearm Eligibility Sparks Controversy in Israel." https://www.timesofisrael.com/
[3] Ynet News (2025). "Ben-Gvir Supports Lethal Force Against Suspects in Self-Defense." https://www.ynetnews.com/
*GUN-TOTING RABBI LEADS PUSH TO ARM, TRAIN JEWISH COMMUNITY AMID HIGH TENSIONS: VIDEO**
- Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's controversial politician, has advocated for increased firearm access in Israel, particularly in the aftermath of the tragic October 7 massacre in 2023.
- In a bid to enhance personal security and deter terrorism, Ben-Gvir led the charge to loosen eligibility requirements for firearm licenses, resulting in a surge of gun permits from 8,000 to 200,000 in Israel.
- In the general-news sphere, Ben-Gvir's policy has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it endangers domestic violence victims and allows easy access for potential abusers.
- Amelie Botbol, contributing to a report on Digital and FOX Business, highlighted concerns about public safety amid growing tensions, as Ben-Gvir's stance on guns continues to polarize Israeli society.
- As Ben-Gvir's controversial reign persists, there is uncertainty about the potential impact on health and safety in Israeli politics.
