The Aliyah and Integration Ministry announced on Wednesday a significant change in policy, allowing new immigrants, or olim, to apply for private weapons for self-defense more swiftly than before. This decision came after an appeal from Aliya and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer to the Chairman of the Internal Security Committee, MK Zvika Fogel.
Previously, olim had to wait three years post-aliyah to Israel before being eligible to apply for permission to purchase weapons. With the new regulations, any olim who have resided in the country for less than three years can now submit their application, which will then be reviewed individually by the National Security Ministry.
This move aims to provide new olim with an enhanced sense of security, although it remains to be seen how this policy will impact the broader community.