Going to Israel

Do you have any statistics to support this?

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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.

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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

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

Lol @ U for going there in the first place.

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

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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

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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.

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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.

Picknlittle, I think you're exagerating just a little bit.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Also remember you will have to get U.S.G. permission to export it and bring it back.

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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!

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.