The Israel Fire and Rescue Service signed a landmark agreement this week to base the national 'Elad' aerial firefighting squadron at the Hatzor Air Force base. The move, led by Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi, the Israel Police air unit, and Ministry of National Security Director-General Rafael Angel, aims to cut response times to major wildfires in the Jerusalem hills area, including in extreme weather. Commissioner Caspi called it a strategic leap in national operational capability.
This bulletin updates a report The Zioneer published at 16:12, confirming that the agreement was formally signed this week after previously being announced as an initiative.
The Israel Fire and Rescue Service announced Tuesday that a landmark agreement has been signed to base the 'Elad' national aerial firefighting squadron at the Hatzor Air Force base. The agreement, described by the Fire Service as historic and groundbreaking after overcoming complex operational and administrative challenges, will allow the squadron to provide faster, shorter, and more effective response to major wildfires, with emphasis on the Jerusalem hills area, even in extreme weather conditions.
The national strategic program was led by Fire Commissioner Eyal Caspi, the Israel Fire and Rescue Service's aerial firefighting unit, and the Israel Police air unit. The Ministry of National Security's Director-General, Rafael Angel, was credited by the Fire Service with persistent efforts to advance the project as a ministerial priority.
Commissioner Caspi stated that Israel must prepare for a new reality of more complex, faster, and more intense fires, and that operating the 'Elad' squadron from Hatzor is a strategic leap in national operational capability. He thanked National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir for support and Director-General Angel for determination and full partnership in completing what he called a project of supreme national importance.
2 developments
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- DevelopingSix fire crews battle brush fire near Elifelet, military base threatened
- StrongFire contained in Bat Ayin, investigation opened into cause
- ConfirmedIDF prepares for incoming fire after Beirut strike, says Chief of Staff at the helm
Source and signal
- Internal intake