No, open carry of firearms in Israel is prohibited under the Firearms Law, 5768-2008, with exceptions for active-duty military, police, and licensed security personnel. Civilian open carry requires a rare “special need” permit from the Israel Police, subject to stringent background checks and annual renewals.
Key Regulations for Open Carry in Israel
- Permit Requirements: Civilians must demonstrate “concrete and immediate danger” to obtain a restricted open-carry license, per Section 13 of the Firearms Law. Applications are processed by the Israel Police’s Licensing Department, which evaluates threat levels and firearm storage feasibility.
- Prohibited Locations: Open carry is banned in all public spaces, government buildings, and mass transit hubs, as outlined in the Public Security Ordinance. Violations may trigger immediate revocation of permits and criminal charges under Section 21 of the Firearms Law.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Amendments to the Firearms Law (effective 2026) mandate digital tracking of licensed firearms via the National Firearms Registry, reducing unauthorized open-carry risks. Security personnel must now use tamper-evident holsters in high-risk zones.
Non-compliance risks include fines up to NIS 50,000 (≈$13,500) or imprisonment for up to three years, per the Penal Code, Section 215. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Police retain exclusive authority to authorize open carry in operational contexts.