Dim Amor

State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman has revealed alarming findings about the state of protection in Israel, with millions of residents still lacking adequate protection from aerial attacks. The new report, delivered to the Prime Minister, National Security Minister, and Home Front Command just days before the start of operations against Iran, reveals that the situation has not improved significantly despite previous warnings.

Five years ago, the State Comptroller already warned that 2.6 million residents in Israel were living without safe rooms or shelters. The new inspection conducted during the Iron Swords War shows that the problem has not been resolved, and the gaps remain highly significant.

The report points to three main failures in the civil defense system. First, millions of residents still live without adequate protection from aerial attacks. Second, many public shelters across the country are not functional and do not provide reliable protection. Third, there is no accurate mapping of residents who lack protected space, making it difficult to provide targeted solutions.

The inspection findings were revealed precisely when Israel faces multi-front threats, with the Israeli home front having absorbed hundreds of attacks since the start of the war. The Comptroller examined the performance of local authorities in managing civil protection during combat and found they continue to struggle with basic infrastructure problems.

The State Comptroller issued an urgent call to the government: "I call on the Prime Minister and ministers – it is very important to ensure that the home front receives an answer. A strong home front is vital to the State of Israel". His words emphasize the critical importance of strengthening civil defense at a time when Israel faces complex threats from several fronts simultaneously.

The report raises difficult questions about the state's level of preparedness to protect its citizens, especially given that warnings about the problem were raised five years ago. The draft report delivered to senior officials in the government and security establishment serves as a wake-up call for urgent treatment of a problem that could endanger the lives of millions of Israelis.

Graphics: "MAAKAV"