Outgoing Minister Joins Cyprus Drill Amidst Domestic Preparedness Gaps
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Outgoing Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman participated in a four-day international sea pollution drill in Cyprus with two aides, incurring estimated costs of NIS 12,000-22,000. This occurred while Israel's own national program for marine oil spill response, approved in 2008, remains underfunded and unimplemented. The ministry itself admitted in October 2023 that the country is unprepared for such an event, facing significant funding and equipment shortfalls.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Outgoing Minister Idit Silman attended a four-day international sea pollution drill in Cyprus.
- The trip for Silman and two aides is estimated to cost between NIS 12,000 and NIS 22,000.
- Israel's national program for marine oil spill response remains unfunded and unimplemented since 2008.
- The Ministry of Environmental Protection stated Israel is unprepared for a national oil spill.
- The country faces a NIS 100 million deficit for necessary preparedness measures.
Outgoing Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman, whose term is ending after she was placed in an unrealistic position on the Likud list, recently participated in a four-day work trip to Cyprus with two aides. The trip, from Monday to Thursday, was part of an international sea pollution prevention exercise organized by a professional unit within her ministry. The multinational drill, which began Tuesday, involved forces from Israel, Greece, and Cyprus, along with representatives from Italy, France, Egypt, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Its purpose was to practice a joint response in the open sea to a large-scale oil spill, integrating air and naval forces and a shared situation room.
However, the article notes that a minister, especially one who is not an elected official and is leaving office, has no professional or operational role in such an exercise. Despite this, Silman's Instagram account featured documentation from the event, while professionals managed the actual regional drill. The cost of a four-day trip for a minister and two aides to Cyprus, including flights, accommodation, and per diem, is estimated to be between NIS 12,000 and NIS 22,000, excluding potential security expenses. Flights alone for the three could range from $1,200 to $2,500 (approximately NIS 4,500 to NIS 9,000), with accommodation costs for three nights estimated at $2,000 to $2,500 (approximately NIS 7,500 to NIS 9,000). Daily per diem and local transportation for the group could add another $1,000 to $1,200 (approximately NIS 3,500 to NIS 4,500).
The article contrasts Silman's publicized participation in the drill with Israel's lack of preparedness for marine oil pollution incidents. The national program for readiness and response to oil pollution, approved in 2008, has never been fully funded or legislated. Currently, marine pollution response relies on a fund with annual revenues of only NIS 13 million, while expenses reach NIS 20 million. An estimated NIS 100 million is needed to complete the necessary preparations, including emergency stations in Haifa and Ashkelon, which have been stalled for years, and a shortage of vessels, equipment, and warning systems. In October 2023, the Ministry of Environmental Protection itself acknowledged that Israel is not prepared for a national-level oil spill incident.
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