Israel has a vast network of civil defense shelters – but not for everyone. The latest wave of Iranian missile attacks in response to Israeli airstrikes has exposed a critical issue: many citizens still lack access to adequate shelter. So far, 24 people have died in Israel, and 224 in Iran.
Escalating Conflict and Mutual Strikes
On Friday morning, Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran, claiming it targeted nuclear and military facilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran now possesses enough enriched uranium to build nine nuclear bombs. Iran responded by calling the attack a “declaration of war” and launching retaliatory strikes.
Alarm Systems and Public Alerts
Israel has a multi-layered warning system, including smartphone apps, SMS alerts, websites, and sirens. Citizens are first alerted to stay near shelters, and minutes later, sirens sound urging immediate entry into safe rooms or shelters. The time between alerts is often just a few minutes.
No Bomb Shelters in Iran
Unlike Israel, Tehran lacks a formal bomb shelter network. According to Iran International, no sirens warned civilians before recent attacks, and panic spread as people tried to flee. Social media was flooded with images of massive traffic jams as residents attempted to leave the city.
Not All Israelis Have Shelter Access
Since 1992, every new home in Israel must include a “mamad” – a secure room with reinforced concrete walls, a steel door, and sealed windows. But a 2020 report from the State Comptroller estimated that 30% of Israeli citizens lack access to proper shelter. A 2021 construction industry report showed that 63% of 3 million residential buildings in Israel have no shelter at all.
Casualties Despite Compliance
In the city of Petah Tikva, two people died despite sheltering in a mamad, after a warhead from an Iranian missile directly struck the room. Civil defense officials admitted the secure rooms are designed to withstand nearby blasts and shrapnel – but not direct hits from heavy warheads.
Israel’s Air Defense and Its Limits
The Israeli military reports having intercepted most of the 350 ballistic missiles fired by Iran. Still, the multi-layered defense system allows 5-10% of missiles through, either due to technical limitations or calculated risk. Some rockets hit residential buildings, including in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Bat Yam, where one missile killed 9 people and injured over 100.
Disparities Among Israeli Arabs
In the Arab-majority city of Tamra, no public shelters exist. Its mayor told CNN that only 40% of residents have any shelter access, and that the government has never funded a shelter expansion there. Four women – including a mother and her two daughters – died after their home was struck by an Iranian missile.
Public Reaction and Daily Reality
While many Israelis follow safety instructions calmly and efficiently, those in older areas or low-income neighborhoods are more vulnerable. In Jerusalem, civil defense officials have increased their presence. During a recent alert, soldiers guided people into public shelters in the city center.
Shelter Conditions and Emergency Readiness
Basement shelters often double as storage rooms during peacetime. “Now we spend long hours here, so I’m cleaning and organizing,” said retired teacher Sara, who was preparing her building’s shelter on Sunday morning. She noted that many residents turn these spaces into storage, requiring urgent reorganization when conflict arises.