Knesset building in Jerusalem
צילום: זום 77
Knesset director searching for alternative building in case of attack
New initiative launched to examine alternative means for Israel's parliament to assemble in face of terror attack against Knesset building in Jerusalem
A new initiative is currently being launched to examine alternative means for Israel's parliament to assemble in the face of a terror attack against the Knesset building in Jerusalem.
The plan calls for several buildings to be prepared in advance as possible substitutions. The alternatives could also be used in additional emergency scenarios, such a large-scale fire or earthquake, which would also render the current building unusable.
Knesset Director-General Avi Balashnikov said he is currently searching for alternative locations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv “in case, God forbid, the current building is attacked.”
“I intend to sign contracts with (the owners) of these sites to safeguard the democracy’s stability – just in case” he said.
“We must be prepared for a rainy day, just like any other organization.”
Ynet has learned that among the sites considered to replace the Knesset building in case of an emergency are: The Jerusalem Theater, the Israel Trade and Fairs Convention Center in Tel Aviv and the Air Force Museum in Herzliya.
Four years ago Channel 10 revealed that construction had begun on a bunker in the Jerusalem Mountains from which the prime minister and his cabinet would be able to run the country during an emergency.
