Katz delays signing - elderly and disabled still without protection: "Exposed to life-threatening situations"
Defense Minister Israel Katz is delaying his signature on regulations to provide emergency responses for people with disabilities, approved by the Knesset two months ago. Rights organizations warn the delay leaves hundreds of thousands of elderly and disabled individuals without protection. The Defense Ministry claims a funding source for implementation has yet to be agreed upon.
Defense Minister Israel Katz is delaying his signature on regulations to provide emergency responses for people with disabilities, approved by the Knesset's Welfare Committee two months ago. The regulations aim to establish state responsibility for the disabled and elderly who remain unprotected during air raid sirens, including accessible shelters, water, food, and medicine supplies, and the activation of "community supporters" to contact vulnerable populations during emergencies. Rights organizations for people with disabilities, including "Bizkhut," "ILAN," and "ALUT," have demanded the minister sign immediately, warning the delay leaves hundreds of thousands exposed to life-threatening situations. The Defense Ministry stated the regulations were approved without a designated funding source and that it is working to secure a budget despite the fiscal crisis. The regulations come 20 years after the Knesset committed to enacting them, with public pressure increasing following recent rounds of fighting and severe damage to the home front.