Defense Minister Halts Regulations Protecting Vulnerable Israelis in Emergencies
Defense Minister Israel Katz is delaying final approval of regulations designed to ensure the protection of people with disabilities and the elderly during emergencies, citing a lack of a budgetary source for their implementation. The regulations, which passed the Knesset's Labor and Social Affairs Committee two months ago, require Katz's signature to take effect.
Organizations advocating for people with disabilities are concerned that this delay leaves hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Israelis exposed to life-threatening situations in the event of renewed conflict. They have warned that the continued delay "leaves hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities and the elderly exposed to life-threatening situations, severely harming their most basic rights."
The regulations, which were approved by the Knesset in July, 20 years after the initial commitment, address essential needs for people with disabilities during emergencies. They mandate accessibility for new public shelters and require the state to provide information and instructions in an accessible format. The regulations also cover the supply of essential needs like water, food, and medication.
A significant point of contention that delayed the regulations was the provision for community support workers. The regulations stipulate that local authorities will employ "community supporters" to assist people with disabilities and the elderly during emergencies. While it was eventually agreed that national service volunteers would fill these roles, the funding and employment details remained unclear, contributing to the current impasse.
Defense Ministry officials stated that the regulations were approved by the committee without a finalized budget. They added that despite the budgetary crisis, the defense establishment is working to secure a dedicated budget for the provisions under its responsibility. The advocacy groups have urged Minister Katz to sign the regulations immediately to ensure these essential provisions are in place for the next emergency.
