Fire Commissioner Caspi signs strategic agreement to base 'Elad' firefighting squadron at Hatzor Air Force base

The Israel Fire and Rescue Service has finalized a long-sought operational agreement to station its aerial firefighting assets at Hatzor Air Force Base. This development follows years of professional coordination and aims to overcome complex administrative and operational hurdles that previously limited the squadron's deployment flexibility. By utilizing a major military installation like Hatzor, the national 'Elad' squadron can now achieve significantly shorter flight times to high-risk zones, particularly the densely forested Jerusalem hills.

Strategic Operational Shift

Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi characterized the agreement as a "strategic leap" in national readiness. The initiative involves a partnership between the Israel Fire and Rescue Service, the Israel Police aerial unit, and the Ministry of National Security. Commissioner Caspi noted that Israel must prepare for a new reality of faster and more powerful wildfires, where every minute saved in response time can determine the outcome of the containment effort.

Inter-Agency Cooperation

The project received significant backing from Ministry of National Security Director-General Rafael Angel, who prioritized the move to enhance the protection of citizens and natural resources. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was also credited for supporting the expansion of national firefighting capabilities. The integration of civilian firefighting aircraft into a military airbase environment represents a high level of inter-organizational trust and long-term planning aimed at safeguarding national assets and the environment.