The State of Israel is located along the Dead Sea Transform fault system, which generates earthquakes. Major destructive earthquakes have occurred in both the distant and recent past, making a future large-scale earthquake not a question of if, but when. While earthquakes cannot be prevented or precisely predicted, their impacts can be significantly mitigated through preparedness and prevention measures.
Despite this well-established risk, Israel remains largely unprepared for a major earthquake. Some progress has been made in recent years: the “Teruah” early warning system is operational; in April 2024, a comprehensive government report on long-term post-earthquake recovery was presented to the Cabinet; and the National Outline Plan 38 (TAMA 38) has contributed to the reinforcement of residential buildings, alongside limited strengthening of schools. Nevertheless, these measures are far from sufficient.
Repeated State Comptroller reports (2018, 2023, and 2024) warn that preparedness remains inadequate. As of 2022, approximately 60% of hospitals are either not earthquake-resistant or their level of resilience is unknown. Structural reinforcement has been completed in only 87 schools out of approximately 1,600 requiring upgrading, meaning that many children attend schools that do not meet earthquake safety standards.
Addressing this challenge would require an annual investment of roughly one billion NIS—about 0.15% of the state budget—to reinforce public buildings, hospitals, schools, bridges, and national infrastructure, alongside public education and regular emergency drills. With additional resources, private residential buildings could also be strengthened.
Most importantly, Israel urgently needs a dedicated authority with clear responsibility, legal powers, and an independent budget to prepare for a major earthquake, manage the national response when it occurs, and oversee long-term recovery. The earthquake threat constitutes one of the most severe risks to Israel’s national security, with the potential to set the country back by decades.