Israel strengthens infrastructure protection amid Iranian threats

Faced with an increased risk of attacks by Iran and groups controlled by it, Israel is strengthening its infrastructure protection.

Source: Bloomberg.

In particular, Israel is diversifying and strengthening its energy supply sources, as it is important for the country's economy to maintain an uninterrupted supply of electricity.

The publication notes that mayors have prepared battery-powered sirens, first responders have satellite phones, and old-fashioned transistor radios can become an information lifeline if people have to move to shelters.

Although there are few signs of panic, authorities are preparing for the worst, including stockpiling alternative fuel for power plants in case regular supplies are interrupted.

According to the vice president of operations, logistics and security at Israel Electric Corporation (the country's largest electricity supplier - ed.), IEC has built internal protective structures at its power plants.

Bloomberg writes that even a short-term power outage could make it difficult to inform the Israeli public about the events. This prompted the authorities to install backup diesel generators or lithium batteries on more than half of the cell towers in northern Israel, including in the port city of Haifa. In Tel Aviv, dozens of towers are connected to generators at nearby businesses or municipal facilities.

The authorities believe that additional caution is warranted, as tensions with Iran and its allies remain high.

Although Iran and Hezbollah have not indicated where they might strike if they launch a direct attack, Israel has focused its defense on vital infrastructure and communications facilities.

The publication recalls that offshore gas rigs are also under threat of attack from Hezbollah. According to an Israeli official familiar with the matter, in the event of an all-out attack in the north, Israel will decide to shut down the rigs on a case-by-case basis, making a quick total shutdown unlikely.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 12/08/2024