There are no food shortages and there is no need to stockpile or hoard food items, Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat said at a meeting with food suppliers Saturday night. Barkat and the ministry’s Director-General Moti Gamish met with importers, retailers, and heads of retail chains.

Israel’s emergency food stockpiles have been increased since the outbreak of the war, both in terms of the amount and variety of food products, the ministry emphasized in a statement Sunday.

Over 550 food retailers, defined as essential “iron branches,” were inspected in the past months, and they are ready to operate throughout this situation, Gamish said.
Manpower and food stocks will be concentrated at these locations in the case that there are shortages of either, while at the same time, other locations will continue to operate in accordance with Home Front Command regulations, the ministry explained.
Israelis take cover in a public shelter in Jerusalem, during a ballistic missile attack fired from Iran into Israel June 13, 2025. (credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90)
Israelis take cover in a public shelter in Jerusalem, during a ballistic missile attack fired from Iran into Israel June 13, 2025. (credit: NOAM REVKIN FENTON/FLASH90)

Instructions for retailers and importers

Barkat urged retailers and importers to be in touch with the ministry in the case of any shortages, manpower problems, challenges, or logistical issues. The ministry’s hotline will operate between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. at *6586.
“The iron branches and emergency stockpiles are prepared for any scenario,” Barkat said at the meeting.
“All the services of the Economy and Industry Ministry are operating as usual, and we are here to ensure that the economy continues to function regularly even during a state of emergency."