Israel's National Emergency Authority Warns of Venezuela-Like Scenes in Major Earthquake

Itzik Bar, retired Brigadier General and head of Israel's National Emergency Authority, stated in an interview with ynet that Israel's preparedness for earthquakes is currently at a medium-low level. When asked if Israel could experience scenes similar to those seen in Venezuela during a major earthquake, Bar responded affirmatively, emphasizing the seriousness of the risk.

Bar explained that earthquake preparedness is a long-term process involving a budget of 17 billion shekels. He noted that there was previously a gap of 80,000 buildings not reinforced against earthquakes, but this number has decreased in recent years. The main challenge remains in ten cities that are at high risk of severe damage, particularly those near the Syrian-African fault line.