Expected Electricity Outages of 72 Hours or More Could Render Israel “Uninhabitable”, NOGA Head Shaul Goldstein Says, Before Walking Back his “Irresponsible” Comments, Disavowed by his Own Organization

In a stark warning, Shaul Goldstein, head of NOGA (which coordinates power supplies) and a former director-general of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, emphasized the critical vulnerability of Israel’s power grid. “If Israel goes without power for 72 hours, it will become uninhabitable,” Goldstein declared in a recent interview. His comments come amidst increasing regional tensions and highlight the fragility of the nation’s infrastructure.

Goldstein’s concerns are rooted in the interconnected nature of modern society. “Our lives depend on electricity for everything—communication, healthcare, water supply, and food preservation. A prolonged outage would cripple these essential services, leading to chaos and uninhabitable conditions,” he elaborated.

Echoing Goldstein’s warning, Energy Minister Eli Cohen issued a stern message to neighboring Lebanon. “If Israel goes without power for hours, Lebanon will go without for months,” Cohen stated, underscoring the potential retaliatory measures Israel might take in the face of aggression. The remarks come as part of a broader discourse on energy security and geopolitical stability in the region.

The threat posed by Hezbollah’s extensive arsenal of missiles, rockets, and drones looms large over Israel’s power grid and other critical infrastructures. Israeli defense officials have expressed growing concerns over the ability of the Iron Dome and other missile defense systems to handle the sheer volume of projectiles that could be launched in a coordinated attack. The U.S. has also warned that Israel’s defenses might be overwhelmed by the incoming volume of missiles, rockets, and drones, posing a significant risk to both military and civilian targets.

Goldstein pointed out the cascading effects of a power outage. “Hospitals would struggle to operate without electricity, and critical patients would be at risk. Water treatment plants would shut down, leading to shortages of clean water. Food supplies would rot without refrigeration. The societal impact would be catastrophic,” he warned.

The Israeli government has been proactive in addressing these vulnerabilities. Investments in cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience have been ramped up in recent years. However, the threat remains ever-present, particularly with the advent of sophisticated cyber warfare techniques.

Cohen’s remarks also highlight the broader geopolitical implications of energy security. “Our power grid is not just a national asset; it is a strategic asset. Any disruption has the potential to destabilize the entire region,” he explained. The Energy Minister’s comments reflect a dual strategy of deterrence and preparedness, emphasizing both the defensive and offensive capabilities of Israel in the energy sector.

In addition to cybersecurity, Israel has been exploring alternative energy sources to diversify its power supply. Solar energy and natural gas have been identified as key areas for development. “Diversification is crucial. We cannot rely on a single source of energy. It makes us vulnerable,” Goldstein noted.

Hezbollah’s capability to strike other installations and population centers exacerbates the threat. The group’s arsenal is estimated to include over 130,000 rockets and missiles, some capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory. The possibility of simultaneous attacks on multiple targets raises the specter of widespread disruption and casualties.

The urgency of these warnings is compounded by the recent escalation in regional hostilities. The potential for conflict, combined with the ever-present threat of cyber-attacks, places Israel’s power grid at the forefront of national security concerns.

Goldstein’s and Cohen’s statements serve as a reminder of the critical importance of energy security. As Israel continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, ensuring the resilience of its power infrastructure remains a top priority. The nation’s ability to withstand and respond to power outages will be crucial in maintaining both domestic stability and regional deterrence.