'National Resilience' Victory on the Home Front

Victory on the Home Front

Preparedness

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Based on the lessons from the 2006 Second Lebanon War, government institutions, civil society and the business community had been mobilized to prepare for emergencies. Israeli society in its entirety understood the principle and significance of 'National Resilience'. Two National Preparedness Days were designated and observed. The Knesset, the Government of Israel and local authorities worked to improve readiness, and frameworks for coordination and collaboration among state authorities, civil society and the business community had been established and implemented. A culture of preparedness for emergency had become embedded in every organization and many households, thousands of citizens had been trained to serve as first responders in emergencies. Ultimately, the public understood that the key to success is discipline, mutual responsibility and restraint.

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Immediate Response

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At the beginning of a state of emergency, thousands effectively served as first responders. Their response provided immediate assistance in many sites of destruction and casualties and ensured the flow of traffic. The public received reliable information and clear instructions. Within 48 hours, most Israelis had reached their destinations.

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During the Crisis

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Israel operated in an emergency routine in an efficient and orderly manner. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) led a 'Round Table' that set priorities and allocated responsibilities among government institutions, civil society and businesses. Similar round tables operated in many local authorities.  

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Basic products and services remained available. Most people who had emergency assignments reported as expected; volunteers secured essential welfare activities; the public received reliable information and clear instructions; the education system had operated in an emergency mode; and evacuations were carried out in an orderly way. The Emergency Appeal of World Jewry efficiently served its purpose. The Israeli public had acted with discipline in the spirit of volunteerism, mutual responsibility and even sacrifice.

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The Day After

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As the state of emergency ended, a public committee was appointed to study the events and draw lessons. Heroes of the home front and their actions were recognized and inappropriate action was reprimanded. New developments replaced damage and destruction.​