Supertanker douses flames
Photo: Shahar Laudon
Even-Hen Klein, killed in blaze
Firefighters demand immediate funding
Yishai takes heat for Carmel disaster at Knesset debate while victim's father demands PM be probed
The Knesset Internal Affairs and Environment Committee convened Monday to discuss the destruction left behind by the Carmel fire, which was successfully doused a week ago.
Interior Minister Eli Yishai took much of the heat from Knesset members present at the debate, while representatives of firefighting forces warned they needed better equipment soon. "What solutions are you giving us for tomorrow morning?" their spokesman asked.
Dealing with Consequences
Fireman Danny Hayat who was burnt over 50% of body in Carmel fires received artificial skin grafts at Haifa hospital. Money for artificial skin - 150,000 euros - raised by prime minister's wife through Keren Hayesod
Meanwhile, the father and father-in-law of Topaz Even-Hen Klein, who was killed in the fire, sent a letter to the attorney general demanding that the police launch an investigation against the prime minister, interior minister, finance minister, and defense minister for her death, as well as the 42 others who died in the blaze.
Retired police commanders Ze'ev Even-Hen and Haim Klein wrote that the ministers had "turned a blind eye and showed total indifference to the consequences that may result from the lack of funds" earmarked for firefighters. The two want the ministers charged with criminal negligence causing death.
"It should have been clear to the prime minister and ministers that the deprivation of resources would endanger lives, but they must have gambled that a disaster would not occur – and thus committed a crime. Decision-makers are not authorized to play Russian roulette with our children's lives," the letter says.
During the committee debate, Yishai accepted responsibility for firefighters' ineffectiveness. "We did not provide enough funding, I admit," he said. "I told the government yesterday that resources need to be funneled to firefighting services immediately."
Eli Senyor contributed to this report
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