Home Front Command head says building more shelters is responsibility of state as well as individuals

Amid growing concern over the numbers of people living without bomb shelters or protected areas of their homes, the head of the Home Front says that his command is responsible for regulations but that implementation lies with the state as well as individuals.

“Protection is a national project that cannot be led by the local authorities or residents. More than 70% of citizens have standard protection. In the communities surrounding the Gaza Strip, everyone is protected at home,” Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin tells the Kan public broadcaster. “The Home Front Command is responsible for regulation and criteria, but the realization of this protection is on the state as well as citizens.”

“It is necessary to significantly improve protection in Ashkelon, Netivot, Ashdod and Ofakim,” he says.

There has been increasing awareness since the start of the current round of violence that large numbers of people do not have shelters or reinforced areas of their homes and do not have enough time to reach public shelters when they hear a rocket alert siren.

The elderly, people with disabilities and those living in unrecognized Bedouin encampments in the south of the country are particularly vulnerable.