Going to Israel


PDA






vis-à-vis
November 23, 2007, 09:02 PM
Can I take my gun for SD?

If you enjoyed reading about "Going to Israel" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!
mekender
November 23, 2007, 09:06 PM
id say probably not, but in Israel, youll most likely be ok... most of the Israeli population carries, and criminals dont get very far over there

vis-à-vis
November 23, 2007, 09:09 PM
I plan on going to the Gaza area & stepping into the Palestinian backyard. I'm really hoping to take a sidearm. I'm white as can be and will be recognized as an American.

jlbraun
November 23, 2007, 09:12 PM
No, you cannot take a sidearm unless you are former Israeli Army, Reserves, or have the appropriate permit.

vis-à-vis
November 23, 2007, 09:13 PM
The permit sounds like it has potential to be an option. Do you have any additional available info on that?

Prince Yamato
November 23, 2007, 10:25 PM
I think you'll find it next to impossible to carry a gun in Israel, unless you are an Israeli citizen. Now Palestine on the other hand... I dunno.

DrewH
November 23, 2007, 11:32 PM
I very, very much doubt it. An Israeli permit is fairly involved for Israelis to obtain, and I am not even sure it is issued to foreigners. Also remember you will have to get U.S.G. permission to export it and bring it back.

If you are really interested, check with the Israeli Embassy.

nwilliams
November 23, 2007, 11:47 PM
Short answer....no

This question has been asked on this forum before, if you do a web search you will find that Israel has some pretty strict gun laws and bringing a gun into the country would be next to impossible.

http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/meast/9909/17/israel.gun.control/index.html

If you get caught carrying a gun in Israel you will probably get yourself into a world of trouble and its probably not worth the risk.

I've been to Israel and spent a few weeks in Jerusalem and the area around there, its a beautiful place and very well protected. As long as you stay in the safety zones you should be fine. I'm jealous I'd love to go back, its a beautiful place and all the people I met when I was there were very nice. That was a couple years ago but I'm sure things are still pretty much the same now.

Good Luck and be safe! Oh and try to have fun to while you're at it!:D

As far as Gaza and Palestinian goes.......:uhoh:

I agree with the others below, stay out of Gaza and Palestinian, why do you want to visit those areas?

Stay in Israel its safer and smarter, even if you have a sidearm that's no guarantee that you will be even remotely safe. I wouldn't go into that area even if I could take a sidearm and carry an AK slung over my shoulder.

Commander Guineapig
November 23, 2007, 11:53 PM
of course, with Israelis liking Americans for the most part,
and many of them carrying automatic weapons openly on the street,
I wouldn't be too worried.
My brother and a good friend of mine have both been to Israel...
the friend is currently there I do believe.
His quote on Israel is, "I've never felt safer - even in the U.S."
tourism is their business. They'll protect that at the very least.
GP

WestCoastJTF
November 24, 2007, 01:58 AM
You'll find lots and lots of IDF soldiers walking around with assault rifles...no, of course, not the same as packing yourself, but it is somewhat comforting.

The_Antibubba
November 24, 2007, 02:18 AM
Why the heck would you want to go to Gaza (besides the opportunity to shoot a full-auto AK into the air at a wedding, of course)?

mekender
November 24, 2007, 01:09 PM
Why the heck would you want to go to Gaza (besides the opportunity to shoot a full-auto AK into the air at a wedding, of course)?

the immense desire to launch a mortar at those infidel Israelis? or perhaps he has a need to watch an Israeli air strike from the receiving end? (j/k)

macFarlaine
November 24, 2007, 01:21 PM
Impossible,why would you want to go to Gaza ? Americans are not popular there...

PILMAN
November 24, 2007, 01:34 PM
If your visiting Gaza you should take a look at this.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Gaza

Autolycus
November 24, 2007, 04:32 PM
Originally posted by mekender: id say probably not, but in Israel, youll most likely be ok... most of the Israeli population carries, and criminals dont get very far over there

Do you have any statistics to support this?

mp510
November 24, 2007, 05:19 PM
Do you have any statistics to support this?
__________________


I have heard the figure is around 10%- a bit higher than most US states.

I have a friend who went to Israel last year for a couple weeks. He said that he felt very secure when he was over there- safer than in US major cities. He said that security was very tight, there is visible, armed, IDF soldiers ; as well as private security and local LE types were armed as well. My friend told me they do a great job of profiling folks who may be trouble. He said they don't play around- very serious and professional folks. He also had good words about El Al security- he felt very comfortable flying with them.

He's going on another trip to Israel before the years' end.

everallm
November 25, 2007, 04:38 PM
Word of advice, if you intend to travel to any Arab country during the lifetime of your passport after being to Israel.

You won't get in......

As soon as you get your passport stamped with a Israeli entry/exit stamp you will be persona non grata if you try and enter almost any Arab country.

If you expect to need to travel as such, check with the Israeli embassy, they used to be very accommodating about this and allowed the entry/exit stamp to be attached to the passport and not stamped on so it could be removed later.

vis-à-vis
November 25, 2007, 05:53 PM
Word of advice, if you intend to travel to any Arab country during the lifetime of your passport after being to Israel.

That's interesting. Now would not the border agent for the Arab country question just where I came from if I had no entry stamp?

Fosbery
November 25, 2007, 06:01 PM
The permit to carry a gun in Israel requires a minimum three years of citizenship and a good reason. Unless you are ex-police or a military officer (above captain) that means living in a high risk area like the West Bank.

Durruti
November 25, 2007, 06:03 PM
I spent a few weeks in Gaza from December 2002 to January 2003, before Israel removed their settlements and bases. I was down in Rafah, along the Egyptian border. Of course, some things have changed since then, but here are my thoughts.

Like the above posters have said, I sincerely doubt you will be allowed to bring a weapon into Israel. JPFO (http://www.jpfo.org/) has a page somewhere that outlines Israeli gun control, but I can't seem to locate it right now.

As for Gaza, I'm not sure if you'll be allowed in, but if you are, you might be able to bring a weapon in, due to the lax security at Palestinian border control (this was under Fatah; Hamas might be different). I would highly discourage it, however, because I'm not sure about weapons regulations there under Hamas. No use risking time in a Gazan prison. Additionally, Israel would not be pleased to find out that you smuggled a weapon into Gaza.

In Gaza, the place itself isn't exactly awash in weapons. Israel has worked hard to disarm the people there and weapons are expensive. That said, guns are definitely there. In three weeks, I saw several AKMs, a scoped bolt-action rifle, a pistol, several hand grenades, and a guy with an RPG-7. Pretty interesting.

If you do end up with a weapon in Gaza, you will not be allowed to leave with it. You will end up in either an Israeli or Egyptian jail. Neither, I've heard, is pleasant.

If you're only going near Gaza, but not in it, there's really no additional need for a handgun. The main threat to southern Israel from Gaza is al-Qassam rockets. If you can use a pistol to protect yourself from one, hats off :neener:

Enjoy your trip! It's a gorgeous area and you'll definitely have some interesting stories.

vis-à-vis
November 25, 2007, 08:06 PM
If you're only going near Gaza, but not in it, there's really no additional need for a handgun. The main threat to southern Israel from Gaza is al-Qassam rockets. If you can use a pistol to protect yourself from one, hats off

There is No question that I could shoot down a rocket with my Glock. It is the quintessential weapons system. Speaking of al-Qassam Rockets, I found this stirring video on youtube the other day:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=U8Nj-QKQkCo

Maybe I could tan myself and grow a thick beard and put on more regional attire to blend in.

everallm
November 25, 2007, 09:15 PM
Vis-a-vis

As (I presume) a US citizen, you don't need a visa for short term, non work vists to Israel.

Your password will get still get stamped with an entry and exit stamp.

If say in a year or two you have a need/desire to go to say, Saudi, on arrival the immigration chap will look at your passport and if he sees the entry exit stamp from Israel will refuse you entry and in all probability mark your passport as "persona non grata".

The Gulf States now have their own version of the EU, called the GCC and tend to share passport details like that. You could end up barred from a swathe of Arab countries. Only 3 that I believe will not automatically toast you are Egypt, Jordan and the UAE

Like I said, the easiest way is to chat to the Israli embassy and check if the will let you have a stapled on, rip out page for your passport.

Also remember, NEVER do a DIY page removal from your passport. The pages are numbered and if your caught, any defacing of the passport like that will probably get your passport lifted and at the least get you on one of the multitude of watch lists........

Exmasonite
November 26, 2007, 09:20 AM
from my limited experience following the news in that region and my brother serving in the army in Egypt, i don't think a sidearm will do you any good. are you going to be a target as an american? maybe, depends where you are. Then again, a lot of the regular israeli citizens are also targets.

Forget the sidearm. If you're that concerned, look into the option of getting some good body armor/flak jacket and helmet. They don't do much random shooting over there... they just blow things up. Pistol won't save you from some IED.

everallm
November 26, 2007, 10:04 AM
To follow on from Exmasonite and IED's etc.

In general, avoid using public transport such as bus/coach etc as these have tended to attract the explosive vest crew.

Wearing a flak jacket or body armour is also going to get you pulled over and checked on a regular basis as guess what......you'll look like a suicide bomber...:eek:

You are on a trip, you are not in combat or in a war zone. Be situationally aware, smile a lot and in general act like a tourist and you should have a good time. Your greatest concerns should be "Do I have a enough time to see everything. Should I really eat that. Where is the nearest public convenience."

If your level of concern is still high your best bet is NOT a firearm but a few basic first aid essentials such as a sterile wound dressing and a fast clotting kit such as "Quick Clot" or Celox.

Prince Yamato
November 26, 2007, 01:54 PM
Speaking of al-Qassam Rockets, I found this stirring video on youtube the other day:

Well, now we know that Hamas CLEOs sign off on destructive devices.

mekender
November 26, 2007, 07:34 PM
Do you have any statistics to support this?

nope, just have read lots of isreali news stories about terrorist shooters getting gunned down in the streets by armed citizens after they start their rampage


There is No question that I could shoot down a rocket with my Glock. It is the quintessential weapons system. Speaking of al-Qassam Rockets, I found this stirring video on youtube the other day:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=U8Nj-QKQkCo

Maybe I could tan myself and grow a thick beard and put on more regional attire to blend in.

please dont post this terrorist garbage here... in fact, why dont you just get a 1 way ticket to gaza since you seem so enamored... you would post this on a public forum in a discussion about you trying to take a weapon into israel? ROFL.... heres hoping that someone forwards this to the Mossad... have fun trying to get into israel

sdumae
January 17, 2008, 02:09 AM
I very, very much doubt it. An Israeli permit is fairly involved for Israelis to obtain, and I am not even sure it is issued to foreigners. Also remember you will have to get U.S.G. permission to export it and bring it back.

If you are really interested, check with the Israeli Embassy.

The main threat to southern Israel from Gaza is al-Qassam rockets. If you can use a pistol to protect yourself from one, hats off

http://www.israel-hiking.co.il

CTPistol
January 17, 2008, 08:18 AM
Get 2 US passports to be sure.....G3visas.com can hook you up quick. @nd is only good for 1-2 yrs but is identical to first.

Also, Israel most likely WILL NOT stamp your passport, they give you a peice of paper to clip in while you are there. They take it when you leave.

They know the situation.

cbsbyte
January 17, 2008, 02:41 PM
As already linked too by a previous poster Israeli gun laws are very strict, much more so than in the US. There is no Right to bear arms in Israel, the privilege is given to citizens who are deemed worthy by the state. It is not a gun owners utopia. Actually anti's in this country frequently point to Israels strict gun laws, and low crime as a example for more gun regulations in America. Basically you can not own a gun unless you are an Israeli citizen. Upon that CCWs are not normally issued to common citizens. Only off duty police, special jobs titles, settlers, and military are given CCW permits. It is near impossible to legally bring a firearm into the country. If you tried you will likely have an extended stay in a nice Israeli prison.

Picknlittle
January 17, 2008, 03:02 PM
I think you're probably safer in most cities in Israel than you are many neighborhoods right here. You'll be constantly surrounded by arms. Those pueses that 90 % of teh young women are carrying have uzi's in them. There's a street saying there,.... Uzi does it! :)

The biggest threat is from bombings and random missile attacks. Go with a group, stay in your group. If you shop, do not abandon your packages. Do not sit packages in a corner while you eat or rest. Unattended packages are blown up! People caught leaving unattended packages may be arrested.

Enjoy the culture, the food, the history and above all enjoy the people.

dodging230grainers
January 17, 2008, 03:17 PM
Having been to Israel twice, I'll say this:

A gun will not save you from the only and most deadliest threat; a bomb. You will not need a gun because terrorists know they wouldn't get two rounds off before they got plugged. For this reason, shootings never happen, at least not to my knowledge.

Where ever you happen to be, there are going to be dozens of armed israelis. Popular sites such as shopping malls, hotels, and historic and holy sites are all guarded 24/7 by Israelis. Expect to pass guards with body armor and Uzis, and metal detectors when going into a shopping mall.

You will never see more MP5s, AR-15s, GLOCKs, Uzis, M1 Carbines, and other assorted weaponry anywhere in public in your life like you will in Israel. It is very comforting. Most who are armed open carry or sling a rifle around the shoulder.
I can remember walking into a burger joint for dinner one night, and there were literally eight Israelis ordering food, all with AR-15 carbines in a three point sling. Very cool.

Also, do NOT go to Gaza, the West Bank, or any other place without Israeli military presence/command. Anywhere else is generally considered safe. PM me if you have any other questions, or need to know some popular hebrew phrases. (I speak hebrew)

jdorian
January 17, 2008, 07:26 PM
Seeing military people walking around with M16 style rifles really helps with making you feel safe, as does security people with hand held metal detectors at most major buildings, markets, and historical places. It would be VERY difficult to get a gun into those places, so the streets are going to be the only place one would be able to walk around with a gun. And all this assumes that you don't get caught trying to bring the gun in at immigration.

Javelin
January 17, 2008, 07:27 PM
Lol @ U for going there in the first place.

:)

foob
January 17, 2008, 07:28 PM
id say probably not, but in Israel, youll most likely be ok... most of the Israeli population carries, and criminals dont get very far over there

I'm confused, half the posts say it's hard to get a CCW, either police, military, ex-police, ex-military of high rank, security guards, and settlers carry.

Yet you say most of them carry. Have you been to Israel?

nope, just have read lots of isreali news stories about terrorist shooters getting gunned down in the streets by armed citizens after they start their rampage


Terrorists getting gunned down is a little different from typical criminals. The US state department says the crime rate in Israel is moderate

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html
CRIME: The crime rate is moderate in Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank.

Crime statistics of Israel (no comparison with other countries, just numbers)
http://www1.cbs.gov.il/shnaton56/st11_07.pdf

Unless you have a good guide, and a good reason to be in gaza, you should avoid it.

SniperStraz
January 19, 2008, 12:40 PM
Picknlittle, I think you're exagerating just a little bit.

cbsbyte
January 19, 2008, 02:11 PM
You will never see more MP5s, AR-15s, GLOCKs, Uzis, M1 Carbines, and other assorted weaponry anywhere in public in your life like you will in Israel. It is very comforting. Most who are armed open carry or sling a rifle around the shoulder.
I can remember walking into a burger joint for dinner one night, and there were literally eight Israelis ordering food, all with AR-15 carbines in a three point sling. Very cool.

Those people armed to the teeth are all military or police even if in plain clothes. Private citizens can not walk around in public with weapons. That is the job of the IDF, or Police forces.

dodging230grainers
January 20, 2008, 12:52 PM
Those people armed to the teeth are all military or police even if in plain clothes. Private citizens can not walk around in public with weapons. That is the job of the IDF, or Police forces.

Not all, but most. For example, our tour guide was not currently serving in the military, but had a license to carry his M1 carbine openly wherever we went. I believe there is alot of truth to your statement, but many ex-military citizens still have licenses to carry weapons. This can depend on their job, or where they live.

Gator
January 20, 2008, 09:32 PM
Also remember you will have to get U.S.G. permission to export it and bring it back.

Is this a new requirement? Hunters going overseas never had to get any permission before, if you left the US with it you could bring it back with no problems.

But back to the original question: I can't imagine Israel letting foreigners with guns into the country....they already have enough trouble!

jaholder1971
January 20, 2008, 09:46 PM
Neither Israel nor Gaza are friendly to Americans nor gunowners. You're an infidel in Gaza and a second class human being only 1 step up from the Palestinian in the Israeli government's eyes.

Stay home and visit America.

TexasRifleman
January 20, 2008, 09:50 PM
You're an infidel in Gaza and a second class human being only 1 step up from the Palestinian in the Israeli government's eyes.

You know I have some people I work with that travel there for business and they say they same thing. They are there at the invitation of the Israeli government even but once they arrive they are treated horribly.

These same folks do work in Dubai and they say they are treated wonderfully.

I'd have to agree with the stay home advice, even though I am a supporter of the State of Israel in principle.

Navy joe
January 21, 2008, 10:57 AM
Been to Israel 3 times, gone to the occupied territories only enough to go to Bethlehem. I was in Bethlehem when it was under Israeli control and when it was Palestinian. Gun boards in particular are very mis-informed about Israel. I think 4-5% of the population has carry permits. Many of them are the ultra-orthodox settlers who incidentally are not really our friends because they keep pushing the issue building towns in the occupied territories. They are just as guilty as the Arafat thugs in pushing the world towards a nasty war. All the guns you see are off duty police or military. Typically off duty you will see a slung and empty M-16. Jerusalem is something else, heck the cop I saw had a -16 with 203 launcher on it. Full flak too. Company sized units of 19 year old kids on duty patrolled as well.

Despite gun board mythology, the Israelis are not warrior gods descended from Valhalla. It is a conscript army. Yes they have excellent equipment, yes, they have excellent special units. But no, everyone is not issued a Glock and taught Krav Maga when they are still in the cradle. The country fights well because their back is to the sea and they face second rate armies. I admire their spirit and short but proud military history, I just don't go into a swoon like a gun shoppe commando when someone whipsers "Israeli."

Go to Israel, enjoy, most places up north and in Tel Aviv you'd hardly know anything was the matter. Jerusalem is a little tense, but well worth the visit.

MAKster
January 21, 2008, 05:31 PM
There is a lot of mythology about gun ownership in Israel because of all the photos people post on the internet. All those women walking around with M16s are soldiers or reservists. Israel is a more casual society for the lack of a better word and police often do not wear fancy uniforms like American police officers. Also, almost all retail stores, restaurants, banks, and buses have armed guards that are in plain clothes as well.

esq_stu
January 25, 2008, 12:52 PM
I go once or twice a year - my daughter lives there.

There are two indoor ranges in Jerusalem where you can rent guns - the rent is very cheap - where they get you is the ammo - very expensive. Not like a U.S. range - unless they know you, you'll get your own personal range officer to make sure you're safe. But they'll let you pull the trigger as fast as you want. I've rented Glocks and HiPowers. (hanging on hooks next to the holsters and gadgets are shoulder stocks for Sigs and Glocks.

If you go, bring some current copies of gun magazines. They especially like American Handgunner. You'll make friends fast.

To get a gun license (which permits open and concealed carry as well as possession at home) you need to have connections or have military or civilian guard experience. It's not "shall issue" - it's "may issue." It's easier to get a license if you live in or commute to a border area or disputed territory.

Centerfire rifles cannot be owned privately, but they may be issued to those who live in or commute to settlements disputed territory. Shotguns are allowed.

Overall, the rules are more strict than anywhere in the U.S. UNTIL you get a permit.

There's no reloading allowed, and spare gun parts (essential components) are hard to get. While here in the U.S., all but the frame are unregulated, in Israel, there isn't much you can get. But display racks of holsters are pretty common in sporting goods stores right next to the athletic shoes and gym shorts. I have a few friends that have asked me to get them some Wolff springs. I haven't figured out if it's legal, though something that small would be tough to regulate.

But if you need a gun, you'll probably get a permit if you go through the hoops. My father lived there a few years. After he got his permanent residency papers (whatever that is), he joined the Civil Guard (volunteer guard duty) and then promptly was given a permit and allowed to import his guns (an S&W 19 and two .22s). A number of people have been prosecuted for bringing their guns in without first getting a permit. Don't try it.

If you enjoyed reading about "Going to Israel" here in TheHighRoad.org archive, you'll LOVE our community. Come join TheHighRoad.org today for the full version!