(JNS) A major reform to Israel’s gun law meant to put an end to terrorism on Israeli streets will make more than 500,000 more Israelis eligible to receive permits to buy and carry handguns.

The new law went into immediate effect this week and will allow hundreds of thousands of Israel Defense Forces infantry-unit veterans and active police officers to apply for gun permits.

Army officers with rank of first lieutenant or higher and non-commissioned officers ranked first sergeant or higher will not only be eligible for gun permits, but will no longer be asked to return their guns and permits upon honorable discharge from reserve service. They will be permitted to put in a request to keep carrying them.

Magen David Adom, ZAKA and Hatzalah medical and police volunteers will also be eligible for permits.