Yes, airsoft guns are legal in Israel under strict licensing and operational conditions enforced by the Ministry of Public Security and local police. Owners must register replicas as firearms, secure permits, and adhere to storage protocols to avoid penalties.
Key Regulations for Airsoft Guns in Israel
- Mandatory licensing: Airsoft guns are classified as firearms under the Firearms Law (1979), requiring a valid permit from the Israel Police’s Firearms Licensing Department. Applicants must pass background checks and demonstrate a “valid reason” for ownership, such as participation in licensed airsoft clubs.
- Storage and transport: Guns must be stored in a locked safe with ammunition separately secured. Transport requires unloaded status, a locked case, and direct travel between home and approved venues (e.g., shooting ranges). Violations trigger immediate confiscation under the 2023 Firearms Ordinance amendments.
- Usage restrictions: Only licensed airsoft clubs affiliated with the Israel Airsoft Association (IAA) may operate legally. Public use, including in urban areas, is prohibited; violations result in fines up to ₪10,000 (≈$2,800) or criminal charges under the Penal Code. The 2026 draft regulations propose stricter venue audits and GPS tracking for club-owned guns.
Failure to comply risks felony charges, with recent enforcement prioritizing unregistered replicas in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv due to rising incidents of misuse.