In the face of escalating conflict with Hezbollah, the Israeli government is bracing for severe infrastructure damage that could have catastrophic implications.
The Ministry of Transportation, along with key government companies responsible for the nation's infrastructure, held a critical meeting on Sunday evening to address potential scenarios, including highway damage, bridge collapses, and port infiltrations. These vital infrastructures have already sustained significant damage in both northern and southern Israel since the war's onset, as reported by Ynet.
The meeting, convened at the Airports Authority, saw the participation of CEOs and chairmen of the ministry's infrastructure companies, senior department managers, and the top brass of the Transportation Ministry, including CEO Moshe Ben Zaken. Discussions focused on establishing a northern military force to integrate air, sea, and land activities, ensuring a coordinated response to infrastructure damage, road disruptions, and transportation problems due to Hezbollah's intensified attacks.
"In light of lessons from the Iron Swords war, the ministry's director general has instructed that functional continuity be prioritized in all work plans, projects, and tenders to enhance future responses," the Transportation Ministry stated. The directive includes conducting simulations of damage to key routes and preparing alternative access plans in coordination with police and other infrastructure companies.
Participants also discussed recruiting additional workers and security guards for a northern war scenario, expediting critical procurement processes, and formulating a communication plan for international travelers if foreign airlines withdraw from Israel. Cyberattacks and the continued operation of seaports were also key topics of concern.
Ben Zaken emphasized the need for regular internal exercises and discussions among infrastructure companies to ensure preparedness for any possible scenario. Recent weeks have heightened concerns about Israel's ability to withstand a large-scale attack, with particular focus on Hezbollah's potential to target critical infrastructure, including electricity and water supplies.
As reported by Ynet, Shaul Goldstein, CEO of Noga - Israel Independent System Operator Ltd, recently stirred controversy by warning that Israel's electric grid is vulnerable to Hezbollah attacks. "After 72 hours without electricity, it will be impossible to live in Israel," he declared. His comments drew sharp criticism from Meir Spiegler, CEO of the Israel Electric Company, who dismissed them as irresponsible and panic-inducing.
Despite the tensions, Goldstein's position remains intact following a board meeting at Noga, where he apologized for his remarks. Meanwhile, the damage to infrastructure in Israel's north and south is already estimated at tens of billions of shekels and continues to mount as the conflict persists.
The Israeli government has approved a significant reconstruction plan for the Gaza border area, allocating 19 billion shekels (approximately $5 billion) until 2028. However, the rehabilitation plan for the north has faced criticism for its perceived inadequacy, with only a fraction of the necessary budget allocated for 2024.
Dubi Amitai, Chairman of the Presidency of the Business Sector and a resident of Metula, highlighted the disparity in funding between the north and south. "The government's neglect of the northern region is incomprehensible," he said in a recent interview.
Adding to the urgency, the stock of Phinergy, a company developing green energy systems, surged last week due to an order from the Israel Electric Corporation for a backup system.
As Israel braces for potential large-scale infrastructure damage, the government and key stakeholders continue to prepare and adapt, aiming to mitigate the impacts of a war against Hezbollah that threatens to destabilize the nation's critical systems.