Israel expands gun access for settlers in occupied West Bank, adds 18 settlements to permit list

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced on Wednesday the expansion of a controversial firearms policy, granting residents of 18 more illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank eligibility to apply for personal gun licenses. The decision, described by his office as part of efforts to “strengthen self-defense” and “reinforce settlement emergency response teams,” significantly broadens civilian access to weapons across the northern, central, and southern West Bank, including the Jordan Valley settlement of Goder.

Rapid Increase in Gun Permits Under Current Policy

Ben-Gvir claimed that more than 240,000 Israelis have received gun permits since the policy was expanded in late 2023—a sharp rise from the roughly 8,000 permits issued annually in previous years. He argued that armed civilians have prevented Palestinian attacks before security forces could intervene, stating that “weapons save lives.” The move has sparked domestic criticism following several accidental shootings that resulted in Israeli fatalities.

Context of Escalating West Bank Violence

The decision comes amid a surge in violence across the West Bank since October 2023. Armed settler attacks against Palestinians, aimed at displacing communities and seizing land, have intensified. According to Palestinian officials, over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed, about 11,000 injured, and more than 21,000 arrested in the West Bank during this period. The expansion of gun permits is likely to heighten tensions and raise concerns about further armed confrontations and vigilantism.

International and Legal Implications

International law considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal, and the arming of settlers adds a volatile dimension to the ongoing conflict. Critics argue the policy effectively deputizes settlers and could lead to increased fatalities and human rights violations. The move underscores the far-right influence in Israel’s current government and its prioritization of settlement expansion and security control over diplomatic engagement or de-escalation.