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Israel’s fuel market was found to be unprepared for emergencies at the onset of the Israel-Hamas War, according to a new report released by State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman.
The findings highlight significant shortcomings in the country’s infrastructure for handling fuel shipments, especially during times of conflict, and the report raises alarms about the risks posed to Israel’s energy security.
The investigation, which focuses on the Eilat-Ashkelon Pipeline Company (EAPC), reveals that Israel faced a major vulnerability when the port in Ashkelon was shut down due to the war, with threats also looming over the ports in Haifa and Ashdod.
This created a critical situation where Israel’s fuel market was unable to properly unload and store distillates needed for emergency purposes.
The lack of preparedness, according to the report, stems from multiple factors. One key issue was the environmental protections in place at the port of Eilat, which were set by the Environmental Protection Ministry. These regulations limited the port’s capacity to handle large quantities of distillates in an emergency.
Additionally, the Energy Ministry failed to release necessary budgets in 2020, which could have allowed for necessary preparations at the Eilat port to handle emergency fuel shipments.
The report also notes that limitations on foreign clients in Eilat added to the complications, with further delays in expanding port operations during times of heightened national security risks.
This issue of fuel security is not new. The report references similar vulnerabilities during Operation Guardian of the Walls, underscoring that this was a recurring problem that was not adequately addressed despite warnings.
The failure to prepare Israel’s fuel infrastructure for potential emergency situations could have serious implications for national security, particularly in wartime.
In addition to the concerns about the ports, the report also addresses the state of the EAPC’s pipeline, highlighting the risks of potential fuel leaks.
A 2015 risk survey had recommended that additional safety measures, such as new valves or alternative solutions, be implemented to prevent leaks and other safety hazards. However, these recommendations were not acted upon.
As of the latest report, no improvements had been made to the pipeline, despite the ongoing risks.
The Environmental Protection Ministry, which was supposed to oversee safety upgrades, only initiated a process to explore alternatives in 2022—seven years after the original recommendation.
This delay further contributes to the growing concerns about Israel’s fuel infrastructure and the potential consequences of inaction.
Matanyahu Englman has called for urgent action to address these issues. He urged the Prime Minister’s Office to convene a government meeting to discuss the future of Eilat port operations and to determine which ministry should be responsible for overseeing the EAPC.
Currently, the Finance Ministry oversees the pipeline, but Englman argues that the Energy Ministry should take the lead, given the national importance of the EAPC to Israel’s energy security.
The Comptroller also emphasized the need for a government-wide stance on the role of the EAPC, particularly as Israel moves toward reducing its reliance on fuel products in favor of more sustainable energy sources.
However, he warned that balancing environmental needs with the nation’s energy demands, particularly in times of war, remains a crucial challenge.
As Israel continues to navigate the complexities of energy security, the report’s findings highlight the urgency of addressing these longstanding vulnerabilities before they have even greater consequences in future conflicts.