Updated

The Jerusalem Post editorial argues that the weekend flooding and Wednesday earthquake near Eilat should prompt Israel's incoming government to fix infrastructure risks that officials already know about. The Israel Meteorological Service measured 117 mm of rain in Kadima in about 80 to 85 minutes, and days later earthquake alerts sounded around Eilat and flights at Ramon Airport were briefly suspended for safety checks. The editorial says these were different events and does not claim officials failed, since the rainfall was exceptional and the airport checks were appropriate. The editorial draws on State Comptroller reports. A June follow-up audit of flood preparedness in Ashkelon, Nahariya and Jisr e-Zarka found drainage still unsuited to updated rainfall scenarios and no multiyear investment plans, years after deficiencies were flagged in 2021. A March 2023 report found 1,124 of 1,208 buildings identified for reinforcement in Beit She'an, Tiberias, Safed, Kiryat Shmona and Hatzor Haglilit were still not strengthened, along with 38 of 54 schools, and TAMA 38 was not implemented there. The editorial urges clear funding and responsibility, regular public reporting, and explanations for stalled projects.