The gun shop is filled with men eager to buy.
In the room next door, a shooting range, civilians practice shooting positions, maneuvers and grips.
Since the outbreak of war on October 7, the reality in Tel Aviv is different – and the threat from Hamas is ever-present.
Almost immediately after the bloody attack by Hamas, the arms trade began to soar in Israel. Arms dealers have testified that demand has increased by hundreds of percent.
It was then given extra impetus by the fact that the far-right Itamar Ben-Gvir, minister of internal security, promised to give out weapons for free and ease the gun license.
Even gun opponents in the country began to change their position.
– After all the horrific events in southern Israel, I felt that I needed to protect my family in a different way if we were to suffer. Before, I didn’t want weapons in my home, or for the children to even see weapons, says Tel Aviv resident Ido Molad.
Expects the government to remove the threat from Hamas
In part, the newfound interest in arms in Israel is rooted in a distrust of the domestic government and military – which missed that Hamas had been preparing for a long time a terrorist attack that ultimately killed 1,400 Israelis.
But in times of war, ranks are closed and criticism is put aside. At least for the moment.
– I don’t like our government, but I expect them to make the right decision to make us feel safe again and erase the threat from Hamas one way or another, says Ido Molad.
“There is no other choice in today’s Israel”
Among Palestinians there is a strong concern that the weapons now being sold will be used against them. There is a realization among Israelis that more civilian weapons could lead to problems.
But the fear for one’s own safety is greater than the concern for the future safety on the streets of Israel.
– Statistically speaking, the more weapons we have on the streets, the more accidents will occur. But it’s a price we have to pay. There is no other choice in today’s Israel, says arms dealer Aviv Arouh.