JERUSALEM — The Michal Sela Forum reported that the number of female firearm homicide victims has doubled since October 7. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has led changes to gun control legislation since October 7.
Since October 7, 22 of 71 firearm homicide victims were women. In comparison, nine women died from firearms in the period immediately preceding October 7. The number of licensed gun owners increased from 150,000 before October 7 to over 300,000.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated that only one of the 22 women killed with firearms since October 7 was murdered using a weapon licensed through the reforms. "Thanks to the policy I led, terrorists today understand that on every street corner, there may be a citizen standing there who will prevent them from committing a massacre. A weapon in the right hands saves lives. Period." Ben-Gvir said.
Lili Ben Ami, director general of the Michal Sela Forum, stated: "The committee is evading national responsibility in the face of data that should shake the government's table." Ben Ami said. Public data on whether firearm homicides involved licensed, stolen, or illegal weapons is not available.
Six of the 22 female firearm victims since October 7 were Jewish, while one Jewish woman was a victim in the pre-war period. The Michal Sela Forum was established in 2019 following the murder of Michal Sela by her husband. Firearms were used in 52 percent of monitored murders, compared to less than 33 percent in 2020. In 2025, 31 women and three children also died in domestic incidents involving family members.
"Weapons save lives without a doubt, especially after the October 7 attacks on civilians," the Michal Sela Forum stated in a position paper. The organization also stated: "It is important to ensure that weapons do not fall into the wrong hands in a way that could endanger the lives of innocent people."