Obtaining a Firearm Carry Permit in Israel: The Importance of Legal Assistance

Obtaining a Firearm Carry Permit in Israel

In the current context marked by increasing insecurity, especially since the beginning of the war on Black Saturday, October 7, many Israeli citizens are turning to the acquisition of a firearm to ensure the protection of their family. This process requires prior authorization from the Ministry of Internal Security. The procedure for obtaining a firearm carry permit, although rigorous, is an essential step. Faced with administrative complexity and the flexibility of eligibility criteria, the intervention of a specialized lawyer can be crucial.

Eligibility Criteria for a Firearm Carry Permit

To be eligible for a firearm carry permit in Israel, several conditions must be met:

• Citizenship and Residence: Must be an Israeli citizen or permanent resident, having lived in Israel for the three years preceding the application continuously.
  It should be noted that for a new immigrant, these three years are not necessary; it will suffice to present a document from the Israeli police certifying that the applicant resides in an area requiring a carry permit and that they are eligible to receive said permit.
• Language Skills: Basic mastery of Hebrew to understand and follow instructions.
  The applicant must master the basics of the Hebrew language allowing them to conduct a conversation and understand the meaning of the instructions given.
• Health Declaration: Present a health declaration signed by a doctor.
  This declaration will attest to the applicant’s fitness to carry a weapon.
• Age and Military Service: Must be at least 18 years old if a former military, 27 years otherwise, and 45 years for non-served permanent residents.
• Shooting Training: Complete a shooting training course.

In addition to the prerequisites for obtaining a firearm carry permit, the applicant must meet one or more criteria that can be categorized as follows:

• Territorial Criterion: such as place of residence, workplace, or place of study.
• Professional Criterion: being part of the security services, working in the Magen David Adom services, etc.
• Completed Trainings: such as being a graduate of an airport security agent training program.

The Crucial Role of the Lawyer

• Facilitation of Procedures: A lawyer effectively navigates through the complexity of the procedures and the multitude of required documents.
• Optimal Presentation of the Application: The lawyer can present your file in a way that maximizes your chances of acceptance, especially in cases where the criteria are not strictly met.
• Flexibility of Criteria: The criteria for obtaining a firearm carry permit, although defined, offer a certain flexibility of interpretation. This means that even if a candidate does not meet all the criteria to the letter, their application is not automatically rejected. The officials responsible for granting permits have a certain degree of discretion in evaluating each case. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to hire a lawyer from the start of the process. A specialized lawyer will know how to highlight the most favorable aspects of your file, significantly increasing the chances of a positive response to your request.
• Assistance in Case of Refusal: In case of rejection, a qualified lawyer is essential to prepare and submit an appeal.

The Abitbol Firm at Your Service: Our Firm, with its experience in administrative law, stands by your side to assist you in this essential process. If you are considering applying for a firearm carry permit or if you have questions about the process, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to provide you with the advice and assistance you need.