Ongoing Updates: War with Iran – June 19, 2025
Public Transportation Adjustments
The Ministry of Transportation announced today that public transport will now operate under a “comprehensive emergency protocol,” with servstarts enhanced as necessary based on ground demands. As of tomorrow, transportation rates are set to gradually increase from 35% of normal capacity to 60% by Saturday night, despite recent easing of restrictions by the Home Front Command, which allows workplaces near protected spaces to resume operations.
Public Gathering Regulations
New guidelines from the Home Front Command permit gatherings of up to 30 people in areas with shelter provisions. However, the prohibition on educational activities remains unchanged.
Rise in Grocery Sales Amid Ongoing Crisis
After a wave of panic buying that impacted the food retail sector over the past weekend, consumer purchasing appears to stabilize, though demand remains notably high. Reports indicate that Ramy Levy announced a 40% increase in sales yesterday compared to the same Tuesday last week, while Carrefour reported a staggering 70% increase. Despite a slight decrease in urgency among shoppers, an ongoing 35% rise suggests elevated demand continues as a direct consequence of the ongoing crisis.
Experts in the sector attribute this sustained increase in domestic grocery shopping to the limitations imposed by the state of emergency, which restricts travel opportunities outside of Israel. The near-total halt of outgoing flights and reduced restaurant operations has shifted consumer spending patterns more towards home cooking.
Surge in Demand for Fresh Products
Notably, demand for fresh meat has skyrocketed, with a reported 40% increase in sales at discount stores and an astonishing 150% rise in urban branches, reflecting a significant shift in culinary expenditure from dining out to home cooking. Consumers are adapting to the conditions, engaging in cooking activities while tending to the emotional aspects of eating during stressful times.
Continued Constraints on Public Transport
Despite the recent easing of restrictions, public transport will re-enter a phased scaling, moving to 60% operational capacity by Saturday. Train servstarts are also running on a limited schedule, with most lines operating once an hour. The light rail in Jerusalem has resumed operations after a four-day suspension, running with a reduced schedule and limited sections. Meanwhile, the light rail in the Gush Dan area remains inactive.
Several underground stations are currently functioning as shelters for hundreds daily, indicating a significant need for protective infrastructure during these uncertain times.
Stay informed with timely updates as the situation evolves. For those planning travel or in need of accommodation, consider booking hotels through