Knesset okays minimum sentences for possession, trafficking of illegal weapons

In a bid to tackle rising crime, particularly in Arab communities, the Knesset passed a bill on Tuesday morning mandating minimum sentences for possession and trafficking of illegal firearms.

According to a 2020 Knesset report, some 400,000 illegal weapons are circulating in Israel, the vast majority in Arab communities, which have seen a surge in violence in recent years, driven mainly by organized crime.

The legislation, proposed by MK Sharren Haskel (New Hope), passed its second and third readings during an overnight session at the parliament.

The bill enacts a temporary provision whereby those convicted of possession and trafficking in illegal firearms will be given a minimum penalty that is equivalent to a quarter of the maximum penalty for the crime.