Former Health Minister Recounts Early War Chaos, Ministry's Response
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Former Israeli Health Minister Uriel Buso detailed the chaos of the early Israel-Hamas war, including the discovery of over 1,000 unidentified bodies at Shura camp and the ministry's emergency response. He also addressed political matters, asserting Shas's loyalty to the right-wing bloc and refuting claims of supporting draft evasion.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Minister Uriel Buso described the chaos of over 1,000 unidentified bodies at Shura camp early in the war.
- He detailed the Health Ministry's emergency response, including increased hospital capacity and funding for mental health.
- Buso stated Shas remains loyal to the right-wing bloc and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
- He refuted claims that his community supports draft evasion, advocating for Torah scholars' right to study.
- Buso believes public opinion polls underestimate Shas's actual support.
Former Minister of Health Uriel Buso described the intense early days of the Israel-Hamas war, recalling his sudden appointment to the role just five days after the October 7th massacre. He recounted a brief phone call on October 12th where Aryeh Deri, head of the Shas movement, informed him of the appointment, which Buso described as placing a "100-kilo hammer" on his shoulders. Within 12 hours, he entered his role amidst the conflict.
Buso's first visit after being sworn in was to the Shura military camp, where he encountered over 1,000 unidentified bodies. He stated that at the time, there was "complete chaos." His prior experience as chairman of the Health Committee enabled him to immediately manage the emergency response. He noted that Soroka Hospital, which had prepared for 300 casualties, received over 1,000, and Barzilai Hospital saw injured individuals and bodies arriving in pickup trucks. Buso declared both Barzilai and Ziv hospitals as central hubs to direct necessary resources.
The ministry allocated over 1.4 billion shekels for a national mental health and rehabilitation program, increasing hospital rehabilitation beds by 400 to a total of 700. Additionally, plans were advanced for two new government hospitals in the Negev and Kiryat Gat.
Addressing public opinion polls, Buso asserted that they do not reflect Shas's true strength, citing past elections where the party consistently outperformed poll predictions. He believes the party's extensive network of over 250 representatives in local authorities and daily citizen support are not adequately highlighted by the media but are felt by the public.
Buso also discussed the contentious issue of the draft law for yeshiva students, refuting claims that his community supports draft evasion. He emphasized that those who genuinely study Torah should be allowed to do so without fear, while others should perform national service. He quoted the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, saying, "When you see a soldier on the street, kiss him like a mezuzah," to illustrate the movement's respect for soldiers.
Regarding political alliances, Buso affirmed Shas's unwavering loyalty to the right-wing bloc and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating they would not join a government with figures like Yair Golan or Mansour Abbas, whom he associates with a "left-wing government" that would undermine Israel's Jewish identity. He also criticized the legal battles surrounding the commemoration of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, viewing attempts to brand the events as political as an affront to his legacy and expecting them to backfire.
Finally, Buso described Aryeh Deri as the "responsible adult" guiding Shas and the coalition from behind the scenes, emphasizing his experience and pragmatic approach to decision-making.