The storm that made history

This weekend's storm did not have the same consequences as the devastating Carmel fire of 2010, not just because of the great loss of life on the mountain compared with the successful rescue operations against this intense winter, which ended without any direct casualties due to cold, snow or rain. The main difference is that Israel lies on the border of a scorching desert climate spawning wicked fires, several of which go unreported, while its winters are relatively mild.

According to statistics and history, the last time Israel was struck by a storm of this magnitude during this time was 116 years ago, when Theodor Herzl convened the First Zionist Congress; another interpretation says it's been 63 years since the last mega-storm. But that's nothing like the depredation of fire.

Then-State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss' decision to thoroughly examine Israel's firefighting services was completely understandable given the destructive scope of the tragic Carmel fire. But what about his successor, Yosef Shapira, who rushed to announce that he would scrutinize rescue authorities in light of the recent winds and cold?

The comptrollers acted appropriately. They coordinated well. No doubt there were some failures, or less than a full grasp of the government and local authorities' abilities, but writing reports and drawing conclusions is absolutely necessary, in the same way public organizations scrutinize their more extensive activities, or in the same way that every Israel Defense Forces unit returning from a successful operation examines any missteps, determining how the unit could operate even better.

Israel has an extensive array of firefighting and water-management capabilities. During the 2010 fire on Mount Carmel it turned out that despite that arsenal, there were shortcomings that needed to be addressed and that coordination was lacking. Is that the case when it comes to battling cold weather? Actually, no. Because such massive storms like the one that hit Israel over the weekend are so rare, it would not make any economic sense to make such a big investment.

Israel does not need special gear for winter storms the way Norway or Finland do. Likewise, the Scandinavian nations don't need Israel's firefighting capabilities. Such an investment would have cost billions and would come at the expense of other needs. After five years, everyone would be calling the equipment a rusty white elephant that Israel can do without.

The storm was dramatic and traumatic. Those who were able to stay indoors near a heating source enjoyed magnificent views of snow-covered land. The professionals will finish whatever job is left to complete so that Israelis can once again lead a normal life. Then they can rest with the nation's gratitude -- and finally, they will convene without public fanfare and learn the necessary lessons, bracing for the next event, which is hopefully far off.