Israel’s Hospitals Adapt and Innovate Under Persistent Threat
The recent escalation of conflict, including a direct Iranian missile attack on Beit Shemesh on March 1, 2026, has once again highlighted the remarkable resilience and adaptability of Israel’s healthcare system. Hospitals and clinics across the country are streamlining wartime operations, building on lessons learned from previous conflicts, including the ongoing war sparked by the Hamas invasion of October 7, 2023 and a 12-day war with Iran in June 2025.
From Underground Bunkers to Pop-Up Clinics
The response to the latest attacks has seen a rapid shift to emergency protocols. The Health Ministry directed medical centers to move intensive care patients and critical operations to underground complexes or protected spaces. This isn’t a new strategy; hospitals have been preparing for such scenarios for years. Soroka University Medical Center in Beersheba experienced a direct hit during the June 2025 conflict, with an Iranian ballistic missile injuring over 80 people and damaging operating rooms and research labs.
Though, the adaptation goes beyond simply relocating facilities. Doctors are extending care to displaced populations. Dr. Jonathan Lifshitz, a family doctor in Beit Shemesh, traveled to Jerusalem to provide medical care to the 780 evacuees from his city who were housed in local hotels. He set up a makeshift clinic, demonstrating the commitment to patient care even in the most challenging circumstances. “Beyond medical care, sometimes the mere encounter with a familiar doctor gives a sense of security during such a turbulent time,” he stated.
Lessons Learned: A Continuous Improvement Cycle
Israeli hospitals aren’t just reacting to crises; they are actively learning from them. Dr. Mira Maram, Deputy Director General at Clalit Health Services, emphasized this point, stating, “We’re now implementing all the things we learned” from the June 2025 war with Iran. This includes refining protocols for equipment transport, bed arrangements, infection control, and resource allocation.
The Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, located near the northern border, has significantly reduced its response time for moving operations underground, completing the process four hours faster than after the October 7th attacks. All surgical procedures, deliveries, and cardiac catheterizations are now conducted in fortified facilities.
Shamir Medical Center has developed detailed protocols for transferring patients and equipment to underground parking lots, recognizing that although not ideal, it provides a safe temporary solution. Dr. Osnat Levtzion-Korach noted the challenges of providing care in such environments – lack of privacy and infection control – but emphasized the collaborative spirit of patients and staff.
Northern Exposure: Preparing for Ongoing Threats
Hospitals in northern Israel, accustomed to the threat of Hezbollah attacks, are particularly well-prepared. Ziv Medical Center in Safed, near the Lebanese border, has teams “accustomed to dealing with extreme situations,” including the aftermath of a Hezbollah missile attack on Majdal Shams in July 2024. Prof. Salman Zarka, the hospital’s director, affirmed their ability to provide skilled care even during mass casualty events.
Despite a temporary ceasefire with Hezbollah in November, preparations remain ongoing. Dr. Tsvi Sheleg stated that the hospital remains prepared to move underground if necessary.
The Future of Hospital Resilience
The experiences of the past two years are driving a shift towards more permanent solutions. While temporary measures like underground parking lots are effective, the long-term goal is to build dedicated, protected departments within hospitals. This would allow patients to remain in their own beds, improving care quality and patient experience. Dr. Levtzion-Korach believes the lessons learned in Israel could be valuable for hospitals worldwide facing similar threats, from natural disasters to geopolitical instability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Israel doing to protect its hospitals during conflict?
- Israel is moving critical operations and patients to underground facilities, converting spaces like parking lots into temporary wards, and fortifying operating rooms.
- How are hospitals supporting displaced populations?
- Doctors are traveling to hotels and other temporary housing to provide medical care to evacuees, setting up makeshift clinics to ensure continuity of care.
- What lessons have Israeli hospitals learned from recent conflicts?
- Hospitals have refined protocols for rapid relocation, resource allocation, infection control, and patient management, continuously improving their preparedness.
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