Interior Minister Aryeh Deri announced on Wednesday, 15 Adar-I that he is allocating NIS 85 million for a security plan to prepare non-Jewish municipalities for a state of emergency, which includes a war. This includes communities which are home to Arab, Druse, Christian and Circassian citizens. Deri also authorized NIS 15 million for the coming year for 15 municipalities and cities including the Western Negev Council among the 255 authorities categorized at risk for having to deal with an emergency situation of natural disaster. The money allocated will be used primarily in the area of technological advances to meet these needs.

The funding also includes setting up fortified areas, training local commanders to oversee emergency operations, and the purchase of necessary equipment. The second plan addresses preparations for a possible natural catastrophe such as an earthquake. A focus is placed on the Tzfat area being that the experts explain it is located near the Syrian-African fault line and that area is about to explode.

This plan includes communications equipment, training, and generators among a great deal more. A frontal command center will also be established in Tzfat due to its proximity to the Lebanon border and the Syrian-African fault line.

In addition, the IDF Homefront Command is refurbishing 70 public shelters around the country, shelters that were not in usable condition. The command explains that the refurbishing of public shelters has become a major priority.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)