“Severe Failures”: Senior Likud Official Calls for Emergency Discussion on Government Handling of Fires

Critical Proposal by MK Tsaga Malka

Member of Knesset (MK) Tsaga Malka from the Likud party has submitted an urgent request to Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to bring forth a discussion regarding the ongoing fires in Israel. In her request, titled “The Fires in Israel: Between Preparedness Failures and Concerns of Arson Terror,” Malka sharply criticizes the government’s response to the recent fire crisis.

Escalating Fire Crisis

In her proposal, Malka emphasized that the wave of fires that has swept across Israel in recent days reveals the fragility of the national emergency response system. She noted that the rapid spread of the fires, from northern to central southern regions, has led to the evacuation of thousands of residents, significant environmental damage, and posed a real threat to human life.

Videos circulating on social media show harrowing scenes, such as individuals fleeing their vehicles on Highway 1 during a fire emergency.

Government’s Inadequate Response

Despite her affiliation with the ruling Likud party, Malka did not hold back in her criticism of the government’s preparedness. “At the governmental level, there are clear and serious failures in the readiness of state agencies to handle such scenarios,” she stated. Malka described the emergency response as seemingly “surprised, slow to react, and at times disorganized.” She highlighted issues such as a lack of advanced firefighting equipment, unclear evacuation protocols, and deficiencies in mobilizing volunteer units and logistical military reserves as indicators of poor performance during critical moments.

Acknowledgment of Ground Forces

While critiquing the government’s response, Malka praised the professionalism of the ground forces involved in firefighting efforts. She noted that there is a notstartable gap between the regulatory bodies and the responders on the ground. “The firefighters, field workers, and KKL volunteers displayed impressive performance under difficult circumstances,” she commented. However, she reiterated that this commendable effort does not excuse the systemic failures that were evident.

Need for Comprehensive Reform

Malka’s explanatory notes in her proposal raised an even more pressing issue: regardless of whether the fires are caused by natural occurrences, human negligence, or arson, the state must be prepared and proactive. “In this situation, immediate response is vital, but an in-depth reform is necessary,” she stated. She called for investments in civil preparedness, inter-ministerial coordination, and a strategic approach to evolving threats.

Safety Concerns and Public Communication

Additionally, Malka pointed out safety concerns surrounding the fires, particularly noting that some incidents crossed Highway 1 at a time when many were traveling to cemeteries to commemorate loved starts. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties. However, she criticized the delayed communication of critical information to the public, questioning whether special populations were adequately informed and if alerts were provided in multiple languages.

The plea for an urgent discussion on the government’s handling of the fires underscores the ongoing debate about emergency preparedness and the effectiveness of state responses to natural disasters in Israel. As the situation evolves, the implementation of comprehensive reforms will be essential for safeguarding lives and properties in future emergencies