Israel Formalizes State Responsibility for Disabled Individuals in Emergencies After 20 Years
Twenty years after committing to amend the Ministry of Defense regulations concerning the essential needs of people with disabilities during emergencies, the Israeli Knesset has now codified the state's responsibility in this area. On Tuesday, the Knesset Welfare Committee approved new Ministry of Defense regulations mandating that newly installed public bomb shelters must be accessible, and that information and instructions be provided to people with disabilities on an equal basis with the general population. The regulations also require the ministry to distribute personal alert devices to individuals with hearing impairments.
The regulations emphasize that public shelters cannot be decommissioned due to lack of accessibility, but local authorities must maximize accessibility and provide an accessible alternative shelter within a reasonable distance if full accessibility is not feasible. This move addresses a longstanding issue highlighted during Operation Guardian of the Walls, where approximately 50,000 Israelis with hearing disabilities lacked adequate alert systems despite repeated requests and ongoing petitions.
Additional provisions set rules for state authorities to prepare for evacuation and transportation of people with disabilities during emergencies, ensure suitable lodging for evacuees unable to remain at home, and mandate accessibility for essential services such as water and food distribution, social security, and banking.
The regulations also formalize the role of "community supporters," individuals employed by local authorities during emergencies to maintain contact with isolated elderly and disabled residents to assess their needs. These supporters will be volunteers from the National Civic Service, integrated into local authorities through a program developed jointly by the National Civic Service, Ministry of Welfare, Ministry of Defense, and the Center for Local Government.
Welfare Committee Chair Michal Waldiger stated, "The approval of these regulations sends a message to people with disabilities that we see you, you are part of society, and you are equal contributors." Civil society organizations involved in the advocacy welcomed the regulations. Yuval Wenger, Chair of Accessibility Israel, called the new rules "a matter of life-saving importance." Dr. Idit Sargosti of the BeZchut organization stressed that the true test will be in implementation during the next emergency, pledging continued civil society oversight to ensure full enforcement.
