One week after the state budget was approved, the cabinet today approved an across-the-board ministry cut in order to allocate NIS 800 million for emergency preparedness for disasters, such as earthquakes or fires.
1.5% was cut from the budget of each ministry for the next two years. The cuts included the Ministry of Defense, which is usually exempt from such measures due to the recommendations of the Brodet Committee.
NIS 350 million will be allocated to earthquake preparedness and rehabilitating the Home Front Command's firefighting abilities but only NIS 100 million will be immediately allocated. 20 ministers supported the move, the three Shas ministers voted against and Minister of Social Welfare Isaac Herzog abstained.
Minister of Interior Eli Yeshai put forward a counter proposal by which allocating a budget would be contingent on the fire service reform. He said, "Today's decision is the basis of the next fire caused by neglect. The clock to save lives is ticking."
Today's allocation will also serve for establishing emergency centers in the local council areas, a communications network for emergency bodies and acquiring equipment for the evacuation of 400,000 people.
An additional NIS 350 million will be allocated to the Fire and Rescue Service and for the establishment of an aerial firefighting force. NIS 100 million will serve as a supplement to be used for these same goals in emergency situations, according to need.
An authority, led by the director-general of the Public Security Ministry, will be responsible for the establishment of a national fire service by the end of 2012. The authority will advance legislation regarding a national fire service law by October 2011 and will conduct a dialogue with the firefighters' unions.
Published by Globes, Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 9, 2011
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