Israelis say southern towns left unprotected as war with Iran intensifies
Israelis say southern towns left unprotected as war with Iran intensifies
In the wake of recent Iranian missile attacks, residents in Israel’s southern Negev region have voiced concerns over inadequate defenses, labeling the government’s approach as a “total breakdown” in safeguarding civilians. The strikes on Dimona—a hub near Israeli nuclear installations—and the nearby city of Arad highlighted vulnerabilities in the area’s protection systems.
Missile Strikes Expose Protection Gaps
Avi Dabush, executive director of Rabbis for Human Rights, criticized the response to the attacks, stating they revealed significant shortcomings in the country’s preparedness. “The government’s handling of the missile fire is a complete disaster,” he remarked, emphasizing years of underinvestment in civilian safety infrastructure.
“Despite allocating hundreds of billions to other priorities, the state neglected civilian safety,” Dabush added, noting that proactive measures should have been implemented much earlier.
The recent barrage of Iranian missiles resulted in 30 injuries in Dimona and 115 in Arad, reigniting debates about the lack of adequate shelters and safe zones in the southern periphery. A State Comptroller report revealed that over a third of Israel’s population lacks access to approved shelters, leaving 3.2 million civilians without proper protection.
Civilian Needs Overlooked in Strategic Decisions
Moreover, the report indicated that nearly half a million students attend schools without sufficient safety measures. When questioned about the war’s justification under these conditions, Dabush asserted: “This has been a reckless strategy for years. Decision-makers didn’t factor in civilian risks before launching the conflict.”
“This has been an irresponsible policy for years. Those who decided to go to war didn’t seriously consider civilian protection before making that decision,” he stated.
The lack of protection is especially severe in Palestinian communities within Israel. “There’s a disregard for human life, and the value of life is being eroded,” Dabush said. Only 0.5 percent of public shelters are located in these areas, amounting to roughly 30 safe spaces for over two million Palestinian citizens.
On Sunday, State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman reiterated warnings to officials following the June 2025 12-day war with Iran. “This is a life-or-death issue for us,” he said. “The state can’t leave the periphery to market forces without a national plan.”
Political Priorities Under Fire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Arad drew scrutiny after media reports revealed he arrived with a mobile safe room, which was promptly removed post-visit. A local resident questioned: “Why couldn’t they just keep it?”
“He prioritized political visibility over essential safeguards, underscoring how administrative decisions overshadow civilian welfare,” Dabush commented.
Netanyahu framed the attacks as proof of Iran’s global threat, declaring: “The past 48 hours show Iran’s capacity to target civilians with mass casualties.” While he claimed no fatalities were recorded, he insisted the intent was clear: “Their goal is to kill, not just injure.”
