What? Have I gone full pinko? Am I seriously advocating a gun control law for Israel, a country that has recently been victimized by a vast amount of brutal rapes and murders? Have I lost my mind?
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Well, not yet, at least not fully. The gun control law I advocate for Israel has nothing to do with disarming its populace in the face of dire threats not only from abroad but internally too. After all, 20% of the population is non-Jewish. Even though they are treated far better in Israel than are Arabs in their own countries, they are not all fully happy with their situation. Particularly those in and near Judea and Samaria who are continually attacking the blessed settlers.
Here is my specific proposal. I urge that the Knesset pass a compulsory gun ownership law: every household must have at least a pistol with 12 bullets in it, or the armed equivalent, plus a rifle. This rule must apply to every healthy adult in the household. Special permission will be needed – a doctor's note – to exempt the infirm elderly and those with diseases such as Parkinsons which cause tremors; but physicians should err on the side of not granting these exemptions, so important is it that every Israeli be armed, and trained in the use of these weapons.
And not only be armed, but go armed as well. This new law need not require that every adult carry a rifle with him at all times. They can be heavy, and the Israeli warm weather is not conducive to such a burden. But minimally all such persons are henceforth mandated to carry at least a pistol everywhere. What about while swimming? I am nothing if not moderate. This law should allow people to bathe unarmed.
I realize I cannot make such a proposal as an anarch-capitalist libertarian that I am. In that perspective, there are no positive obligations. The only requirement of proper law is to command that everyone refrain from initiatory violence. But, libertarianism is a many spledored edifice. I thus write this column from the perspective of a minarchist, limited government libertarian, or a classical liberal. In this viewpoint the state is indeed justified in passing legislation for the public good, and it is difficult to see what would be more to the benefit of Israelis that they be armed to the teeth. An armed society is a safe society.
There is indeed precedent for this sort of thing emanating, at least, from the US. According to CNN, and they are always reliable, "In this American town, guns are required by law." Which American town? Kennesaw, Georgia.
This law, unfortunately, does not go far enough, not by half, at least not for the Israeli situation. Gun ownership in Kennesaw is only obligatory on the part of the head of the household, not all adults. Nor is it compulsory for the firearm to be worn at all times; it is only mandated to be kept at home. But at least this is a move in the right direction.
Back to Israel. They come in on gliders? Fine. Shoot them while they are still in the air. They leave their tunnels like the rats they are? Also, well and good. Mow them down when they get up off their bellies. They want to engage in a bit of rape? They must be likewise welcomed. Discharge your weapon at them aimed at a certain body part of theirs; hint, it is right below the belt. The next time anyone wants to engage in an October 7, 2023 style bit of mayhem, greet them with open arms. These arms are not what hangs from below our shoulders and from whence spring our hands. Rather, they are what comes with a trigger, a barrel, and a bunch of bullets.
Yes, indeed, gun control for Israel.
