Israel activates an "emergency" order for civilians to arm themselves

The Israeli Foreign Ministry claims to have received support from around 84 countries

MADRID, 9 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, has announced the activation of an "emergency" order for the Firearms Licensing Division to allow civilians to arm themselves in the framework of the war against the Resistance Movement Islamic (Hamas), which controls the Gaza Strip.

Ben Gvir explained that citizens who meet the requirements for carrying firearms in self-defense and in the service of the security forces will be able to receive permission to carry weapons within a week, as long as they have no criminal record. criminal or medical.

Citizens who have had permission to obtain a weapon - which is now expired - and have not acquired said weapon during this year may receive it without having to submit another application. Those who have returned their weapon in the last six months due to not having renewed the necessary documents "will be able to recover their weapon."

"In addition, starting next Tuesday, permits will be allowed to carry firearms with a permit that will allow the purchase of up to one hundred bullets instead of the current 50," he added.

The minister thanked the Firearms Licensing Division, the Police and the Ministry of Health "for the important commitment that will allow the greatest possible number of citizens to arm themselves and protect themselves and their environment when necessary." ".

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has noted that around 84 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom and France, have issued statements of support for Israel, backing its right to self-defense and condemning the Hamas offensive.

The head of the portfolio, Eli Cohen, has spoken in the last few hours with 17 counterparts, mostly Europeans. He has also held a briefing for foreign diplomats in Israel and for Israeli diplomats abroad.