Interior Ministry Warns of Mass Displacement in Major Earthquake Scenario

Israel's Ministry of Interior is preparing for a catastrophic earthquake scenario that could leave hundreds of thousands of people displaced and without shelter, according to Ministry Director General Israel Oz. Oz described the situation as "apocalyptic," noting that in such an event, traditional accommodations like hotels might not be available for those affected.

The ministry is working with the Ministry of Defense and the National Emergency Management Authority to plan for a major earthquake, a challenge Oz finds deeply concerning. The plan anticipates that hundreds of thousands could find themselves "on the sidewalk" needing immediate assistance, including those whose homes are damaged and those who fear returning to potentially unsafe structures, drawing parallels to self-evacuations during the recent conflict.

Oz also reflected on the ministry's operations without a permanent minister, calling the situation "challenging" as he must balance strategic policy-making with day-to-day execution. He highlighted the crucial role of local authorities in emergencies, a lesson learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and reinforced during the recent conflict with Iran. He noted that while the state excels at policy and funding, local governments are more effective at direct citizen engagement.

During the conflict, significant missile impacts, particularly in central Israel, strained local resources, even in stronger municipalities. Oz acknowledged that the concentration of hits in more capable areas was fortunate, as impacts on weaker municipalities could have led to a far worse national situation. The ministry is working to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and provide financial support to enable local authorities to respond swiftly in emergencies.

Looking ahead, Oz emphasized the need for a revised planning policy for the next decade, addressing the common issue of new neighborhoods being built faster than essential infrastructure like schools and transportation. He also pointed to a surprising surge in housing demand in peripheral cities like Yerucham, Ofakim, and Netivot, attributing this to "roof agreements," infrastructure investment, and increased budgets for local authorities, including record-high equalization grants.