Full Breakdown
Impact of Iranian Missile Attacks on Israeli Hospitals
3/27/2026, 9:22:15 AM
Current Crisis in Medical Facilities
Israeli hospitals are facing unprecedented challenges due to ongoing Iranian missile attacks, which have intensified since joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on February 28. Hillel-Yaffe Hospital in Hadera, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa, has had to evacuate entire inpatient buildings and relocate patients to other facilities, raising concerns about patient safety during transport. The hospital's emergency departments are now operating in a basement ill-suited for comprehensive medical care. Prof. Mickey Dudkiewicz, the hospital's director general, emphasized the risks involved, stating, “We have to maintain our ability to treat people, but lives are at risk.”
Infrastructure Deficiencies
A report by State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman highlighted significant deficiencies in hospital protective infrastructure, revealing that 56% of inpatient beds and 41% of operating rooms lack adequate protection. The situation is particularly dire in psychiatric and geriatric hospitals, where approximately 75% and 63% of beds, respectively, are unprotected. Englman described the need for a multi-year investment of about NIS 4.8 billion ($1.54 billion) to enhance hospital safety, calling the current state a threat to national resilience.
Government Budget Cuts and Responses
Despite the urgent need for improved infrastructure, the Israeli government recently voted to cut NIS 66.6 million ($21.4 million) from the Health Ministry's budget, prompting backlash from health experts. A spokesperson for the Health Ministry stated that they are working to ensure the best medical care while balancing budgetary constraints. Meanwhile, construction of a protected building at Hillel-Yaffe, initially expected to be completed in 2023, remains incomplete, with an estimated cost of NIS 450 million ($145 million).
Fundraising Efforts by Hospitals
In response to the crisis, hospital directors are launching fundraising campaigns to address immediate needs. Tzafon Medical Center in Tiberias is focusing on acquiring life-saving equipment and enhancing protective measures. Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem is also raising funds to cover increased operational costs associated with underground operations. Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa has constructed an underground hospital, which has allowed it to maintain 80% operational capacity despite the ongoing conflict.
Challenges of Underground Operations
Dr. Yuval Dadon, deputy general director of Wolfson Medical Center, noted the health risks associated with prolonged underground operations, stating, “Nobody expected that we were going to be bombarded by so many missiles for so long.” Hospitals are creatively repurposing storage areas into functional medical facilities, but the lack of proper infrastructure remains a significant concern.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re trying to provide excellent medical care without proper security,” — Prof. Mickey Dudkiewicz, Director General, Hillel-Yaffe Hospital
- “This must serve as a wake-up call for the government,” — Matanyahu Englman, State Comptroller
- “It’s obviously more expensive to run the hospital operationally underground,” — Shaare Zedek Medical Center Spokesperson
- “Hospitals are not designed to be underground,” — Dr. Yuval Dadon, Deputy General Director, Wolfson Medical Center
The ongoing conflict and missile threats have forced Israeli hospitals to adapt rapidly, highlighting the urgent need for improved protective infrastructure and funding to ensure patient safety and operational continuity.
