Jerusalem: Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has authorized residents of 18 more illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank to obtain personal gun permits, as detailed in a statement released by his office on Wednesday. This decision is part of an expansion of Ben-Gvir's firearms reform policy, targeting settlements in Judea and Samaria.

According to Anadolu Agency, the authorization allows residents of the newly added settlements to apply for personal gun licenses. The minister's office characterizes this move as a national effort to enhance self-defense, improve personal security, and strengthen settlement emergency response teams. Ben-Gvir noted that the policy expansion has resulted in over 240,000 Israelis obtaining gun permits, a significant increase compared to the approximately 8,000 permits issued annually in the past. He emphasized the role of armed civilians in preventing Palestinian attacks before the arrival of Israeli security forces, asserting that "weapons save lives."

The list of newly approved settlements spans the northern, central, and southern regions of the West Bank, including the settlement of Goder in the Jordan Valley. Ben-Gvir expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the right of these communities to protect themselves and their families. His policy, launched in late 2023, has been controversial within Israel, particularly following accidental shootings that resulted in Israeli casualties.

The move comes amid a sharp rise in violence since October 2023, with illegal Israeli settlers conducting frequent armed attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian official figures report that the escalation has led to over 1,100 Palestinian deaths, approximately 11,000 injuries, and more than 21,000 arrests across the West Bank.