It was built to withstand nuclear, biological and chemical attacks and can comfortably house hundreds of personnel

By Hezy Laing

Israel’s National Management Center (NMC) is a fortified underground command facility built to ensure continuity of government during national emergencies, capable of housing hundreds of personnel and withstanding advanced threats.

The NMC, located in Jerusalem’s National Quarter near the Knesset, Prime Minister’s Office, Supreme Court, and other key institutions, was constructed following the 2006 Lebanon War, which exposed vulnerabilities in Israel’s northern defenses.

The facility allows top Israeli leadership to maintain control of the country during wartime or strategic crises, including potential multi-front conflicts involving Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas.

Approximately 95% of the NMC is underground, accessible only by elevators that reportedly give passengers a “sci-fi” experience.

The above-ground portion resembles a modern art museum more than a military installation, with a sleek, windowless design, multiple drive-in entrances, and a circular turnaround.

The subterranean complex is said to be hardened against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats, and capable of sustaining hundreds of people for extended periods.

The facility is not secretive in appearance or location, making it unusual compared to deeply concealed American counterparts like Cheyenne Mountain or the White House bunker.

Its double-fenced perimeter sits across from a prominent theater, and its futuristic design is visible to the public.

The NMC has hosted sensitive meetings since at least 2011, when the Israeli Security Cabinet began using it to rehearse national crisis scenarios.

In recent years, it has become a regular venue for weekly cabinet sessions, partly to prevent leaks and reduce the risk of foreign surveillance.

According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior ministers have used the bunker to oversee operations such as hostage rescues and strategic planning during heightened tensions.

The facility maintains secure communications with the IDF and other national systems, ensuring uninterrupted command and control.

It is part of a broader network of hardened installations designed to deter adversaries from exploiting moments of instability.