The State Comptroller's report published today (Tuesday) reveals a worrying picture of widespread lack of preparedness and dysfunction of government bodies in emergency situations - as was evident during the War of Independence.
The report describes systemic failure at all levels, based on audits conducted in dozens of authorities and government ministries.
The findings indicate that critical systems - from health and security to education and psychological support - did not function properly, and failed to provide an adequate response to affected citizens.
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Shelter review: The report found that in Ashkelon, Givatayim, Holon, Gilboa and other municipalities, public shelters were unfit for use - without lighting, with rusty doors, blocked escape hatches, leaks, lack of signage and severe neglect.
Unprotected hospitals: More than half of hospital beds in at-risk areas lack standard protection. Operating rooms, catheterization rooms, and intensive care units were also found to be exposed. Only 171% of catheterization rooms are adequately protected.
In hospitals throughout the country, it was revealed that 71% of the hospital beds remained unprotected, as did 56% of the operating rooms. In the super centers not near the border, the most serious gaps were discovered: 64% of the intensive care beds remained unprotected, about 56% of the catheterization rooms are unprotected, and so are 69% of the imaging devices.
Mental health: The resilience centers were unable to cope with the demand for mental health care. The Ministry of Health was not prepared to operate a reinforced system, and treatment for anxiety victims and mentally damaged children was only partial.
The education system is not prepared for distance learning: In 66% of the communities examined, the computing equipment and connection for distance learning were defined as "inadequate.".
Many safety coordinators were not properly trained, and parents reported feeling insecure that their children were not protected.
Excess compensation: The compensation fund paid hundreds of millions of shekels to businesses that did not meet the criteria. The State Comptroller determines that this is 831.3 million shekels of the total amount paid - without any significant attempts being made to recover the money.
The report notes that to date, no personal responsibility or significant steps have been taken against any of the leading factors. Even in cases where similar deficiencies have already been raised in previous reports, no systemic treatment has been carried out.
