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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Israel?
Yes, but heavily regulated.
Legal in principle, but the compliance burden is high, often with firearm-grade steps for the airguns most people want.
Tier 2: Major Restrictions
Full firearms-licence regime for the airguns most enthusiasts would actually buy.
IL
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Israel is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationTreated as firearm
Age ruleAdult / unspecified
PossessionLicence required
Transfer / saleLicensed dealer process
TransportCased
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
- Gas-powered BB/pellet guns (typically airsoft) that replicate M-16/M-4/AR-15 or Tavor X-95/TAR-21 rifles are 'imitation firearms' under the Firearms (Imitation Firearm) Order 5784-2024 (in force since early 2025): buying, storing, transporting, importing or trading them needs a licence, and they may be held and carried only at a licensed imitation-firearms club or its activities, apart from limited temporary authorisations (Firearms Law s.7T, added by Amendment No. 24 of 2023).
The rules in detail
Classification
Treated as firearm
Air rifles and air pistols are firearms under the Firearms Law 5709-1949: s.1 covers any barrelled weapon able to fire a bullet or projectile capable of killing a person, and the Second Schedule lists 'air rifle' and 'air pistol' among firearms held under sport-shooting-club licences. General firearms law extremely strict (post-October 2023 expanded eligibility for firearms specifically).
Age rule
Adult / unspecified
Adult licensing.
Possession
Licence required
A firearms licence is required for any air rifle or air pistol, whatever its power; sport shooters usually use them through a licensed sport shooting club. Unlicensed possession is a criminal offence (Penal Law s.144).
Transfer / sale
Licensed dealer process
Through licensed dealers.
Transport
Cased
Cased.
Authority
National statute
National statute.
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Confirm specific airgun status with Israel Police Firearm Licensing Department.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance. It isn't legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.