Rising tensions with Iran once again threaten Israel with the possibility of a large-scale attack — ballistic missiles, armed drones, rockets from the north and east. If such an escalation materializes, the threat will not distinguish between Jewish and Arab citizens. Missiles do not check municipal boundaries before striking.

But Israel’s civil defense infrastructure does. A State Comptroller report published in January 2026 reveals a stark disparity. According to Home Front Command data, only 37 out of 11,775 public shelters in Israel — roughly 0.3% — are located in Arab municipalities, and eight of those are unfit for use. In most Arab localities, there are virtually no public shelters at all. This is not an isolated failure. It is systemic.

The report further notes that approximately 3.2 million residents — about one third of Israel’s population — lack standard........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)