Rights9/20/2026

Ben Gvir Called on License Holders to Carry Firearms on Yom Kippur

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called on holders of personal firearms licenses to carry firearms on Yom Kippur, including in synagogues. He stressed that this should be done lawfully and responsibly, while remaining vigilant in public places.

Key facts

•Publication date: September 20, 2026
•Publication time: 16:45
•Approximately 350,000 license holders in June 2026
•Approximately 155,000 license holders in 2022
•Approximately 300,000 new licenses since October 7—according to Ben Gvir

What the Minister Said

Ben Gvir's appeal is directed at citizens who already hold a personal firearms license. According to the minister, a personal firearm could be useful in an emergency. The source does not report the enactment of a new law, an obligation to carry firearms, or any change to licensing rules.

Data on Firearms Licenses

Ben Gvir said that under the firearms reform he is promoting, approximately 300,000 new licenses have been issued since October 7. According to Knesset data for June 2026 cited in the report, Israel had approximately 350,000 firearms license holders—compared with 155,000 in 2022.

The Legal Significance of the Announcement

This is a public call by the minister, not a judicial decision or a legislative amendment. The article did not cite specific statutory provisions or describe special rules for carrying firearms on Yom Kippur or in synagogues; it stated only that firearms should be carried lawfully and responsibly.

What this means for you

For ordinary citizens, the statement does not create an obligation to arm themselves and does not replace the existing conditions of a personal license. It concerns license holders only and constitutes a recommendation to remain vigilant; the source does not report any new rights or relaxed requirements.

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