Defense Minister Israel Katz has signed emergency regulations governing state responsibility for people with disabilities during times of emergency. The signing comes two months after the regulations were approved by the Knesset Welfare Committee and follows a report by Ynet regarding delays in the signing due to budgetary difficulties. The regulations, approved in July, aim to formalize shelter arrangements and the supply of basic necessities for individuals with disabilities during emergencies.
According to sources, for many years, thousands of people with disabilities remained without adequate solutions regarding shelter, and often without a designated authority to contact within local government. Amid recent combat events and impact on the home front, public pressure increased to define the state's responsibility toward this population. The new regulations dictate, among other things, that new public shelters must be accessible. Furthermore, the state is mandated to make information and instructions accessible to people with disabilities in an equitable manner. The regulations also formalize the supply of essential needs such as water, food, and medication to this population.
The delay in signing the regulations stemmed from a dispute regarding budgetary responsibility for community supporters who maintain contact with people with disabilities and elderly citizens during emergencies. Ultimately, it was agreed that this responsibility would fall upon National-Civic Service volunteers, who will be trained for the task. In the week prior to the signing, several rights organizations, including Bizchut, ILAN, and ALUT, appealed to Minister Katz demanding an immediate signature, highlighting the concern that without tailored solutions, people with disabilities could be left without the ability to protect themselves or receive their basic needs.