Israel's defense sector criticized for failing to secure critical sites during Iran war, says comptroller

During the recent conflict, several vital Israeli facilities were hit by Iranian ballistic missiles, including the medical center in Beersheba, the Bazan oil refinery in Haifa, and scientific laboratories at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot. State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman sharply criticized the Defense Ministry, the IDF, and the National Security Council for failing to establish adequate physical protection for these critical locations.

Englman highlighted that warnings about such vulnerabilities date back to 2011, with a comprehensive report issued in 2020, yet little action has been taken. He stressed that these deficiencies are separate from Israels aerial defense systems like Iron Dome, Davids Sling, Arrow, and Iron Beam, which are intended to intercept incoming threats before they reach national territory or sensitive installations.

The comptroller emphasized that the absence of specific physical defenses left crucial sites exposed when air defenses were breached. He pointed out that groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran were able to strike several critical installations during the war, underlining the urgency of protective measures.

According to Englman, obstacles to fortifying these sites include incomplete mapping of critical infrastructure and the lack of a legal framework for designating and protecting additional locations. Multiple agenciesthe Defense Ministry, the Rahel disaster response unit, the IDF, the NSC, and the Finance Ministryhave failed to resolve disputes over funding responsibilities, delaying progress on this costly but essential initiative.

Efforts to develop protective solutions have been slow, partly due to questions about the feasibility of fully defending certain installations. Some critical functions already operate from underground locations, but not all essential infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and medical facilities, can be relocated without affecting operations. Englman noted alternative strategies could reduce vulnerability without moving sites underground.

The comptroller accused the Defense Ministry of deflecting responsibility between departments and criticized its inaction even after the onset of missile attacks. Only limited progress was made, including the formation of a committee to address deficiencies. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intervened in November 2023, but the NSCs pressure on the Defense Ministry to make tangible improvements only began in mid-2024, and deadlines were largely ignored until December 2024, shortly before Defense Ministry director-general Eyal Zamir transitioned to become IDF chief.

Englman also noted that other security agencies, including Shin Bet and the Israeli Atomic Energy Agency, must contribute, though much of their activity remains classified. The report indicates that successive defense ministers since 2020 have largely neglected the issue. Englman emphasized that current leaders, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief Zamir, bear primary responsibility for advancing protective measures. He also called on Netanyahu to take a more proactive role, rather than waiting for proposals from other officials.

Author: Gavin Porter