Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency beginning at 6:00 am (0300 GMT) on Sunday.
This decision comes in the wake of pre-emptive strikes carried out by the Israeli Defence Forces in Lebanon.
According to the AFP, Gallant said the emergency declaration empowers the IDF to issue directives to the Israeli public, which may include restrictions on gatherings and the closure of certain areas deemed at risk.
“The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant,” Gallant explained in a statement from his office.
Gallant underscored the heightened risk of potential attacks on civilians in various regions across Israel. “I am convinced that there is a high probability of an attack against the civilian population in areas of the country where the declaration of a special situation did not apply,” he stated.
“I hereby declare a special situation on the home front in other areas of the country. The situation is valid for 48 hours starting at 6:00 am.”
In a separate communication, the Defence Ministry revealed that Gallant had briefed US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on the unfolding situation.
“We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel,” Gallant reportedly informed Austin.
The two defence leaders also discussed the necessity of preventing further regional escalation. Gallant emphasized Israel’s readiness to defend its citizens: “We are closely following developments in Beirut, and we are determined to use all the means at our disposal in order to defend our citizens.”
