Ramat Gan opened all its public bomb shelters following an increase in threat assessments from Iran. Ramat Gan Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen announced the move after a situation assessment determined that the risk of missile fire over the weekend had increased and was no longer negligible.

"We decided to open all the shelters in the city," he said. The mayor acknowledged the financial implications of the decision but emphasized the necessity of prioritizing public safety. "Despite the cost of opening them, it is right to exercise extra caution, and hopefully this opening will prove unnecessary," he said.

The Israel Defense Forces stated that no directive had been received to open public shelters. The military further stated that there was no notification or update to the Home Front Command guidelines or policy regarding shelter operations. Shama-Hacohen addressed this discrepancy in his public statements. "There is no special warning from the Home Front Command," he said.

To ensure comprehensive coverage, the mayor extended his instructions beyond municipal facilities. "I call on all building committees to ready the shared shelters," he said. This call to action aligns with the city's history of maintaining a network of shelters in light rail stations and large city clubs. The city has historically faced challenges in providing residential protection, with reports indicating that about one in three Israelis lack direct access to a protected space.

He sought to reassure residents regarding the broader security situation. "In any event of another round, there is no reason to panic," he said. He expressed confidence in the country's military capabilities.

"We have the IDF and the air force to defend us and to attack far from here as well," he said. He referenced the emotional impact of military displays. "When our finest sons and aircraft pass over us in a ceremonial flyover, it is moving," he said.

The mayor described the air force's capabilities during combat operations. "When they are over enemy cities, they are the best, most precise, and deadliest in the world," he said. These statements come as Shama-Hacohen has previously spoken publicly about the city's vulnerability to missile attacks and the need for improved civilian protection measures. He has emphasized that the city's geographical position in the Gush Dan area makes it particularly vulnerable to missile attacks, as it is located in a central area that is difficult to defend against incoming strikes.

The decision to open shelters occurs against the backdrop of a deadly incident earlier in the year. An Iranian missile struck a residential building in Ramat Gan in March 2026. An elderly couple was killed in the March 2026 Iranian missile strike in Ramat Gan.

In the wake of prior missile attacks, Ramat Gan has implemented measures such as upgrading municipal shelters and providing hotel accommodations for vulnerable residents who are unable to reach regular shelters. He has been involved in efforts to provide temporary shelter for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, bereaved families, and disabled IDF veterans.

Beyond municipal shelter operations, health authorities convened to address emergency readiness. The Supreme Hospitalization Authority met to discuss emergency preparedness. The Health Ministry stated that the Supreme Hospitalization Authority is maintaining an ongoing dialogue with all hospitals and health funds.

The Health Ministry also stated that no special instructions for the public have been released regarding health protocols. Ramat Gan is a city in the Tel Aviv District of Israel with a recorded population of 152,596. Established in 1921, the city covers an area of 12 square kilometers.

The opening of all public bomb shelters in Ramat Gan shows the ongoing security concerns in the Tel Aviv District due to increased threat assessments from Iran. The decision by the mayor to act despite the absence of a specific directive from the IDF or Home Front Command reflects the local government's approach to civilian protection in a central urban area. The city's history of missile attacks, including the deadly strike in March 2026 that killed an elderly couple, provides context for the heightened caution. The move also reflects broader challenges in residential protection, as reports suggest a significant portion of the population lacks direct access to protected spaces.