Israel West Bank Settlement Gun Licenses 2026: Ben-Gvir Expands Armament Program
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has approved gun licenses for 18 more West Bank settlements in 2026. We analyze the impact of this unprecedented armament expansion.
From 8,000 to over 240,000. The scale of civilian armament in the West Bank has reached unprecedented levels under a deliberate government strategy. On January 22, 2026, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir approved the issuance of gun licenses for Israelis in 18 additional illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. This move marks another step in the Benjamin Netanyahu administration's push to expand outposts that international observers warn are destroying the possibility of a two-state solution.
Expanding Outposts and Individual Weaponry
Minister Ben-Gvir announced the decision via Telegram, stating that these settlements would now be eligible to submit applications for personal weapon licenses. He framed the move as an effort to "enhance self-defense." However, the armaments being distributed are far from standard civilian gear. Reports indicate that settlers have been equipped with military-grade weapons, including US-made M16s, pistols, and advanced drones.
The sheer volume of new permits is staggering. Since the expansion of the policy, over 240,000 Israelis have received gun permits, a massive jump from the 8,000 issued annually in previous years. This surge in individual firepower coincides with a 50% increase in the number of settlements and outposts since 2022, growing from 141 to 210.
Escalating Violence and Legal Consequences
The human cost of this policy is becoming increasingly clear. According to the United Nations (OCHA), more than 1,800 settler attacks against Palestinians were documented in 2025, averaging five per day. These incidents resulted in casualties or property damage across 280 communities.
Fatalities have also spiked. In 2025, a total of 240 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 55 children, were killed by Israeli forces or armed settlers. This escalation occurs despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2024 that Israel's continued presence in the occupied territories is unlawful.
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