Sirens warning of incoming missiles from Iran have compelled residents in Israel to seek refuge in both public and private bomb shelters. This urgent situation has drawn attention to a significant shortage of protected spaces, despite Israel’s long-standing preparations for potential conflict with Iran. According to a report from Israel’s state comptroller published in January 2025, over three million people in Israel live in areas lacking “standard protection.” This statistic highlights the vulnerability of nearly one-third of the population in the event of Iranian ballistic missile strikes.
The disparity in access to safe spaces is particularly pronounced in Arab communities within Israel. Of the total 11,775 public shelters, only 37 are located in Arab municipalities, with eight of those deemed unfit for use, according to the state comptroller’s findings. “People are facing real danger,” stated Atiya al-Asam, an activist leader in the Bedouin community in southern Israel. “They’re terrified.” This sentiment reflects the broader issues faced by many Bedouin communities, which not only lack adequate shelters but also struggle with fundamental services such as running water, electricity, and paved roads.
The consequences of insufficient protection were tragically evident during the Israel-Iran war in June 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 32 individuals and left thousands injured. Israeli government data indicated that shelters and fortified rooms played a crucial role in saving lives during that conflict. In response to these critical issues, the Israeli military’s Homefront Command has initiated discussions regarding the need to increase the availability of protected spaces. They have been collaborating with local municipalities to enhance existing facilities, according to two Israeli security officials who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the information.
Despite these efforts, the state comptroller’s report reveals that more than six million people across Israel still have access to public and private shelters and fortified rooms. In Tel Aviv, one of the nation’s largest and most affluent cities, municipal officials expressed confidence in the adequacy of available shelters. “We can always have more,” remarked Eyal Kedar, an official focused on emergency response in the municipality. “But in terms of numbers, there’s enough for more than those living here.”
As the situation continues to develop, the urgent need for improved infrastructure and protection remains a pressing concern for many communities throughout Israel.
