The head of Israel's Association of Local Authorities, Shlomo Buchbut, speaking on Israel Radio, warned that the Israeli civilian population has not been prepared for the event of war. Half of the population lacks gas mask kits and in many areas there are not enough shelters.

The IDF responded by saying that its Civil Defense Corps sees the local authorities as a crucial factor in preparing the population for emergency situations. The IDF has seen to it that every local authority is familiar with the possible scenarios for which it must be prepared in case of emergency.