Emergency State Declared: Schools Closed, All Shelters Activated Amid Threat of Iranian Response
Military Preparedness in Reaction to Potential Iranian Retaliation
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared a special emergency state effective from 03:00 AM following updated intelligence assessments indicating a credible threat of retaliation from Iran in response to Israel’s preventative strike against targets within the nation. Starting today, all regions of Israel will transition from a state of “full activity” to “essential activity” only.
Changes to Civil Operations
Under the new directives, educational institutions across the country will be closed, and gatherings in public spaces will be prohibited. Additionally, non-essential work activities will be suspended, in accordance with updated lists provided by the Ministry of Defense. The guidelines will also limit operations within the economy to essential sectors only.
IDF officials are urging the public to adhere strictly to the guidelines issued by the Home Front Command, which will be disseminated through official communications, including the National Emergency Portal, the Home Front Command app, as well as national broadcasters and government websites.
Civil Defense Measures
The Home Front Command has warned citizens to prepare for a significant potential missile barrage, with an estimated alert time of just ten minutes. Residents are advised to stay close to protective spaces such as secure rooms, public shelters, or local authority shelters (including underground parking lots with at least two levels below ground). Stairwells are not considered protective areas.
In the event of an alarm, individuals should remain in their protective space for ten minutes before exiting, only following instructions from the Home Front Command. Furthermore, there is a strict prohibition on using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, or any other networks to share information about missile impacts or interceptions.
Government Response
The emergency declaration and accompanying guidelines came in light of Iran’s possible immediate response, which may encompass missile strikes, drstarts, and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting both Israeli territory and its civilian population. In light of these developments and the imminent threat facing the home front, Defense Minister Israel Katz signed the decree declaring a state of special emergency.
The IDF emphasizes that it is crucial for the public to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions and to remain in protected areas as necessary, in accordance with real-time alerts and warnings