State Comptroller Warns: Israel Not Prepared for a Major Earthquake

Israel’s State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman issued a sober warning about the country’s readiness for a major earthquake, urging stronger reinforcement of buildings in high-risk areas. His statement came in the wake of a powerful double earthquake in Venezuela. Drawing on audits published in recent years, Englman stressed that preparing for such a disaster cannot wait.

In an urban renewal review published in June 2026, he wrote that the need to strengthen buildings against earthquakes is not being adequately addressed within current renewal efforts, and that large-scale projects are not being sufficiently promoted in vulnerable communities. The review also faulted the government for failing to produce a national policy document or a unified national urban renewal plan, despite earlier recommendations. Englman warned that the gap leaves the country dangerously exposed.

The audit found that no building permits were issued between 2017 and 2025 for 23 evacuation-and-reconstruction (pinui-binui) projects in Beit She’an, Tiberias, Tzfat (Safed), and Kiryat Shmona — cities counted among those most vulnerable to major earthquakes and wartime threats. Englman tied his warning directly to the devastation unfolding abroad, pressing leaders to treat reinforcement as an urgent national priority rather than a deferred ambition. The message was unmistakable: the time to act is before the ground shakes, not after.

(INN/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we ask for Your protection over the land and people of Israel, and we pray for wisdom for the leaders responsible for preparing the nation against natural disaster. Grant diligence and unity to those who must strengthen homes, schools, and communities in vulnerable areas. We pray that warnings would be heeded and that lives would be safeguarded long before any calamity comes. We thank You that You are a refuge and a very present help in trouble, and we place every city and family into Your faithful hands.”