Israel; Heavy demand for handguns leading to weapons shortage

Josey1

Heavy demand for handguns leading to weapons shortage By Mazal Mualem The deterioration in the security situation and the Interior Ministry's decision to ease the criteria for granting a permit for a personal weapon have led to a marked increase in the demand for guns among private citizens, security guard companies and private and public organizations. The heavy demand, however, is encountering two problems - a weapons shortage and bureaucratic foot-dragging in granting permits. Due to an embargo on arms exports in Israel imposed since the start of the intifada by most European countries, the local gun market is facing a shortage. Till recently, Israeli arms traders had managed to import European weapons via other countries, such as the United States, but now, with the significant increase in demand, this route is also running into problems. And though some guns are manufactured in Israel, they require European-made ammunition, which is also affected by the embargo. Following hours of lobbying and scuttling between gun traders throughout the country, Eli Raviv, who is responsible for arms at the S. Nir security guard company, was able to purchase 16 of the 40 guns he had originally requested. "I had to apply pressure and make use of my connections to get the guns," Raviv said. "Without them, I cannot supply additional armed security guards." In September, Raviv purchased 100 guns with no difficulty. Now, he "has to beg" to get used guns. Roni Cohen, the manager of the Neshek Ha'tsafon arms store in Upper Nazareth, said the European embargo has been sorely felt in recent weeks. "It primarily affects the security guard companies, which need dozens of additional guns," he said, adding that the companies want to purchase weapons but the stores cannot supply them. "There are companies that are asking for 30-40 guns. I am having a hard time meeting the demand." Meanwhile, senior Interior Ministry officials have expressed anger over the foot-dragging at the ministry's weapons permits department. Deputy Interior Minister David Azoulay, who is responsible for issuing gun permits, said that intense efforts are being made to provide quick solutions for all permit applicants. He said a number of steps to ease the pressure would be implemented soon.