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Jerusalem – Israel is preparing for the possibility of a tsunami striking its coastline following concerns about a potential earthquake in Greece, as recent tremors in the region have raised alarm among authorities.
On Wednesday, the deputy head of the National Security Council convened an urgent meeting to discuss the matter, bringing together emergency bodies and multiple government ministries, including the National Security Ministry, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Israel Police, and the Foreign Ministry.
The session resulted in directives instructing agencies to prepare for the possibility that a tsunami wave could reach Israel’s shores.
Authorities Mobilize for Emergency Response
As part of the preparedness measures, the Energy and Infrastructure Ministry has been tasked with ensuring minimal damage to critical infrastructure, including electricity production facilities and desalination plants. Authorities are also making contingency plans for evacuating workers from at-risk sites if necessary.
The National Security Ministry and Israel Police, responsible for overseeing disaster response, have been instructed to conduct an interagency assessment.
This will enable a coordinated response strategy across emergency services. Additionally, police forces have been directed to designate rear assembly zones, which would serve as logistical hubs should emergency response teams need to be deployed to aid civilians.
International Response Planning
Alongside preparations for a tsunami, Israel is also bracing for another potential scenario: an earthquake in Greece that does not generate a tsunami affecting Israel but leads to significant destruction in the affected country.
In such a case, Israeli authorities anticipate a possible request for humanitarian assistance from the Greek government.
Should this request materialize, a dedicated team will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the resources necessary to dispatch an international aid mission.
Israel has a history of providing rapid humanitarian assistance in the wake of global disasters, and officials have indicated their readiness to extend aid if needed.
Tsunami Risk in the Mediterranean
Though tsunamis are often associated with the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Mediterranean is among the world’s most tsunami-prone regions, accounting for approximately 25% of recorded tsunami events.
Historical data suggests that significant tsunami events occur in the eastern Mediterranean approximately every 100 years, with Israel’s coastline experiencing a tsunami event roughly once every 250 years.
A catastrophic tsunami—one with the potential for widespread devastation—happens in the region approximately every 700 years.
Israel has previously conducted tsunami response drills, with its first large-scale simulation, named “Blue Tidal Wave,” taking place on April 4, 2016. The exercise was designed to test the nation’s preparedness for such a disaster.
Heightened Vigilance as Region Faces Seismic Activity
The recent tremors in Greece have heightened concerns about regional seismic activity, leading to Israel’s increased vigilance.
While the probability of a tsunami hitting Israel remains uncertain, authorities are taking precautionary measures to ensure public safety and mitigate potential damage.
Officials have urged the public to stay informed and follow updates from emergency services. As seismic activity continues to be monitored, Israel remains on high alert, ready to respond to any developments in the region.