When discussing Israel’s defense system, we often immediately think of its famous air defense systems such as the Iron Dome, Arrow, David’s Sling, and the latest addition, Iron Beam. These multi-layered systems are essential as Israel is a narrow strip of land with an area of just over 22,000 square kilometers, which does not provide the Israeli population with enough expansive areas to seek refuge. Therefore, any threat approaching Israel must be intercepted from the air.
However, the air defense system can still become overwhelmed in the face of a massive attack, which is why Israel has also constructed bomb shelters for citizens to take refuge in during emergencies. Alongside the air defense systems, the people of Israel have considerable faith in the shelter systems that have protected them for decades.
Israel is always in a state of readiness for a potential attack. Many measures are taken regularly, from storing blood at fortified underground centers to thorough inspections of the bomb shelter network and water supply.
Outside a bomb shelter in Holon, 12 km from Tel Aviv.
Israel’s bomb shelter system has been in place for 50 years. This network was built to protect civilians from aerial bombings and has been continuously improved over the years.
Cities in Israel began constructing public underground shelters in the 1970s. By 1991, these shelters demonstrated their importance when Israel faced a barrage of Scud missiles targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa. This incident prompted the country to pass a law requiring bomb shelters in all newly built buildings.
Living room in a shelter.
Office combined with exercise area.
Today, 65% of Israelis have access to bomb shelters either in their homes or at least nearby. These shelters are constructed from reinforced concrete with heavy metal doors and can withstand explosions and shrapnel from missile attacks.
Music room in a shelter.
The current infrastructure will protect Israelis from long-range missile attacks, as they are designed to withstand Scud missiles. However, about one-third of Israelis, especially those living in low-income areas or older buildings, still do not have immediate access to shelters because their buildings were constructed long before shelter regulations were established in 1992.
Entrance to a rural bomb shelter.
In apartment buildings, shelters are built robustly to ensure they remain standing as a “fortress” even if the structure above collapses.
In Tel Aviv alone, there are 168 public underground bomb shelters, and when including shelters located in schools and public buildings, the total reaches 356. The Tel Aviv website and signage clearly indicate the locations of shelters and how to access them.
Google Maps in Israel shows bomb shelter locations without needing a search.
These shelters are not just empty spaces; they must be equipped with basic amenities such as bathrooms, kitchens, showers, and air filtration systems. Some shelters even have Wi-Fi in case the time spent in refuge extends for days or even months. Generally, a shelter resembles a regular room, except for its fortified entrances. A public shelter typically covers about 80 square meters and can accommodate up to 200 people.
In the northern coastal city of Haifa, public bomb shelters are equipped with digital systems for remote unlocking and have generators to ensure continuous operation. Rambam Hospital in Haifa has prepared a three-story underground treatment facility in case of an attack.
Despite the tense context, daily life in many cities in Israel continues as normal. Summer activities for children are still taking place, and grocery stores remain stocked with goods. Public gatherings are also not restricted, and many bomb shelters remain locked — unless an alarm sounds.
The time people have to enter shelters varies by location. For example, in central Israel, there is 1-1.5 minutes to reach a shelter after hearing the alarm. Near Gaza and the Golan Heights, there are only 10-15 seconds to find shelter. The “most relaxed” area is the Negev Desert in the south, where there is up to 3 minutes.
Citizens are advised to stock enough food, water, medicine, and medical supplies for several days in their private or communal shelters. Public shelters do not provide food (as food is difficult to store long-term) but are equipped with emergency water supplies.
The combination of advanced air defense technology and a robust network of bomb shelters is a key factor in Israel’s strategy to protect against missile attacks. The shelters represent the most fundamental line of defense and have become an integral part of daily life in Israel.
