Strategic Assessment

Recent rounds of escalation in southern Israel exposed several troubling issues concerning relations and cooperation between organizations involved in managing the civilian front, and in particular, the Home Front Command and the local governments. This is an acute issue because mutual understanding and systemic collaboration are cornerstones for successful management of the campaign on the civilian front. This article analyzes the problematic dynamics that emerged in the recent rounds of escalation regarding authority and responsibility for the civilian front in general, and studies in particular the complex question of school closings during emergencies. The analysis is the basis for recommendations for building a tighter, more effective system.