"State of Israel is Not Ready for a Full-Scale Attack": Home Front Defense Expert Warns

The security situation of the State of Israel changed dramatically overnight: from relative security calm on the eve of Simchat Torah, Hamas launched an assault on the south of the country, dragging Israel into a war. Simultaneously, Hezbollah began a low-intensity battle with IDF forces in the north, and even from Yemen, several missiles have been launched towards Israel.

Amidst the 'Swords of Iron' war, we met for a conversation with Dr. Avi Bitzur, Head of the Home Front Security program at Beit Berl, who tells us: "The Israeli home front is not adequately prepared for war."

How did the State of Israel manage the severe crisis following the Hamas attack in the south?

"What we witnessed was essentially the collapse of all state systems. Initially, they took no action. The ones that did operate were civilian organizations. We saw volunteers leading the operation to evacuate Sderot using private jeeps. This poses a problem for us as a state, why shouldn't the Ministry of Tourism, for instance, handle this? We see that government offices didn't function, especially at the beginning of the events.

"When we talk about civilian levels," Dr. Bitzur continues, "we also saw difficulties in communications with families for extended periods and in victim care. From the standpoint of the State of Israel, even handling fatalities, administered by volunteers like ZAKA members, poses a problem. While we appreciate ZAKA personnel, as a state, we cannot rely on a situation where we depend on volunteers to carry out such crucial tasks. After all, ZAKA are volunteers, so it is entirely possible that in two years, some organization members won't be able to come or decide to leave the organization, and what will Israel do then? We must not depend on volunteers for such critical matters."

Avi Bitzur (Photo: Miri Kours)

After the severe attack in the south, how should Israel act regarding the defense of its citizens?

"Firstly, the State of Israel should understand that remote defense through technological means alone is no longer viable. Israel will now need to deploy a significant defense force to separate itself from foreign forces that might harm us. Otherwise, the difficult scenes we witnessed may repeat themselves.

"If we wish to return to temporarily evacuated places, such as the Gaza Envelope or Kiryat Shmona, we will have no choice but to change our concept; from the attachment we've had until now on defense, which was prepared reasonably well, but we encountered something we had not anticipated – to a new reality. It is now clear that the belief that technologies will stop an enemy is not correct. Therefore, there needs to be an organized barrier filled with military force."

Is the step of evacuating settlements in the south and north correct?

"If Hezbollah intervenes, these evacuations are worthless because the Shiite organization's missiles cover the entire country. However, at the moment, it is correct, as the play between Israel and Hezbollah is at a very low intensity. For now, the evacuation allows our forces maneuvering room for action and also saves lives."

What about the missiles being launched from the south and north towards Israel?

"Israel currently has a number of defense systems. We can intercept missiles and destroy them, but it is also important to comply with defense instructions, which guide entering protected spaces and exiting the vehicle to a protected area or lying down on the ground during an alarm. Civil compliance is very important, and its meaning is protecting human lives.

"In addition, there is the issue of protection. It turns out that the State of Israel is not sufficiently prepared to protect its citizens. If we assume we need one hundred percent protection, we currently have a thirty to forty percent gap in buildings lacking protection."

Are Israel's strategic sites sufficiently protected from missile attacks?

"Regarding strategic sites, these are sufficiently protected. They are well-protected and surrounded by multiple layers of defense, so there is no need to worry about them. Concerning strategic sites, it's also about military bases and different military capabilities, as well as power stations and more. What remains is the civilians in the home front."

(Photo: Avshalom Shoshani / Flash 90)

"We Must Be an Armed Nation"

What about the fear of 'Guardian of the Walls 2'?

"We live in a challenging area," Dr. Bitzur sighs. "This is the reason why Israeli citizens must be armed. We must be an armed nation. But, and here is the big but, we should not be armed without a plan, like we currently see with weapons distributed to all comers, rather it is important to train people well for combat against terrorists. In such a case, the distribution of weapons will be several times more effective. As a deputy in the Paratroopers for many years, I, for example, will know how to operate weapons, but many others do not, and that's what we need to work on.

"This is where the national guard comes into play. It is essential to establish and develop it to provide an optimal response to Israeli society."

(Photo: Yonatan Sindel / Flash 90)

With the ground battle already on the horizon, and tensions with Hezbollah in the north increasing, are you afraid of significant damage to Israel's civilian home front?

"There is a national authority for emergency situations called RACH"L. Unfortunately, I have not seen optimal handling of the situation, but rather an actual collapse. The situation does not bode well for the future, but on the other hand, we have seen an impressive mobilization of citizens. So with good civilian and governmental mobilization, our chances are much better.

(Photo: Michael Giladi / Flash 90)

"It is important to understand," Dr. Bitzur adds, "during the Second Lebanon War, we witnessed the collapse of many northern cities, which emptied of their inhabitants. Additionally, rescue forces had to extract victims from the rubble. In the next war with Hezbollah, they may face numerous fronts simultaneously. We need to be well-prepared and check if the forces in the field are capable of that."

In conclusion, Dr. Bitzur states: "A state must function and provide its people resilience against threats. But as the ancient people in history, who have survived so much, I am sure we will stand on our feet, organize, and pay back all those who wish us harm while safeguarding the civilian home front."