It's not true that only security personnel can carry. However, firearm ownership is much more restricted than in the US.
You can get a license for a firearm (at least, to carry one) in Israel if you fulfill the following conditions:
1) Resident or citizen for at least 3 years
2) are above a certain age
3) Get approval from the police and Ministry of health (basically, this means you have no criminal record and no history of mental health prohibiting carrying a weapon).
4) Demonstrate cause to carry a weapon
There are a number of "causes" defined:
a) Live or work in specific areas defined by the security services (generally this means border towns or the settlements)
b) Your work involves transporting explosive
c) Your work involves gold or precious stones.
d) A heirloom/souvenir (in this case, the license is for possession only - not to carry - and the weapon must be rendered inoperative)
e) Firefighter/Magen David Adom (EMT) worker
f) Sports shooter (requires a recommendation from the Sports Shooting Union*)
g) if you work in a company licensed to deal with animals which harm agriculture
h) Licensed hunter (you will be given a specific allotment of ammo in this case, you can't buy as much as you want).
i) Active duty member of the security forces (military, police, Prison Service) with the rank of O3 (for officers) /E7 (enlisted) or above or the equivalent (soldiers get weapons from the military, but this is if you want a handgun rather than /in addition to your rifle).
j) Reservist with the rank of O3 or above, or in specifically designated reserve units.
k) Security service retirees with the rank of LtC or above (or the equivalent)
l) Security officer in a public body
5) Pass a course.
What you're licensed for depends on the cause, most licenses are for a single handgun.
*Probably didn't translate that right, but you get the point
= new reply since forum marked as read
