Israeli shelters exposed, ineffective against Iranian missiles
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Israeli reports reveal shelters in northern occupied Palestine are unsafe against Iranian ballistic missiles, sparking backlash from settlers and mayors who accused the Home Front Command of serious negligence.
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Firefighters work at a site struck by a missile launched from Iran, in Haifa, northern occupied Palestine, on June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Rami Shlush)
Controversy has erupted in northern occupied Palestine after Israeli media revealed that concrete shelters installed during the war on Gaza are ineffective in protecting against Iranian ballistic missile attacks. The shelters, positioned across northern regions, are now being criticized as unsafe.
The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that these exposed concrete structures, initially deployed to shield against rocket fire, "do not provide effective protection against long-range missiles from Iran, due to the deadly pressure waves they produce," according to the Israeli Home Front Command.
Home Front Command admits exposed shelters pose deadly risk
The revelation marks a sharp reversal in previous Home Front Command guidance. The command now advises civilians to use fortified rooms, known as MAMADs, or enclosed public shelters with steel doors, warning that open shelters can become "deadly traps even if the missile does not fall directly nearby."
Despite the shift in policy, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that no official directives have been issued to close these exposed shelters, prompting confusion and growing discontent among settlers and local officials.
In Acre, Mayor Amichai Ben-Shalush began shuttering shelters in older neighborhoods where alternative protection is unavailable. Videos shared online showing the closures were reportedly the first time some municipal leaders learned of the situation.
Michael Kabsa, head of the Hatzor HaGlilit Council, accused the military of "serious negligence," noting that the structures intended to save lives have effectively turned into "death traps."
Additionally, the mayors of several northern municipalities have criticized the Home Front Command for withholding official closure instructions despite acknowledging the shelters’ limitations. Their concern reflects a broader frustration with what they see as mismanagement of civilian defense measures amid fears from Iran and Hezbollah.
#WATCH | Further footage shows the impact of Iranian missiles in "Israel".
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 19, 2025
According to Israeli Channel 12, “torrents of missiles” are hitting Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon.#Iran #IranNews #TruePromise3 pic.twitter.com/KLfDzxmuaU
In response, the Israeli occupation army issued a statement clarifying that the use of such shelters requires direct authorization from the Home Front Command. If no other options are available, residents may enter exposed shelters, but are warned not to stand near the opening and to close the door, if one is present.
As tensions escalate in the region, concerns are mounting that northern settlers are being left exposed to growing threats without adequate protection or clear instructions from military leadership.
True Promise 3, wave 14
A large-scale missile barrage was launched from Iran on Thursday morning, targeting Tel Aviv and its surrounding areas in the occupied territories. According to Israeli media reports, approximately 20 missiles were also fired toward Haifa and al-Naqab.
The strikes resulted in several confirmed impacts, including direct hits on central Tel Aviv and its northern district of Ramat Gan.
Magen David Adom, the Israeli emergency medical service, confirmed that search and rescue operations are underway in seven different locations where settlers may be trapped beneath debris.
