Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has declared a nationwide 48-hour state of emergency starting from 06:00 am (0300 GMT) on Sunday, following pre-emptive military strikes conducted by Israel in Lebanon. This move comes amid rising tensions and the anticipation of possible retaliatory attacks on Israeli civilian areas.
The state of emergency allows the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to implement special measures, including restrictions on public gatherings and the closure of certain sites deemed vulnerable to attacks. Gallant emphasized the need for these measures, citing a “high probability” of an attack against civilians in areas that were previously not covered by local emergency measures.
In a statement, Gallant explained the urgency of the situation: “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,” he said.
The defence ministry also reported that Gallant had briefed U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on the current security situation. During their conversation, Gallant emphasized that the strikes in Lebanon were a necessary action to prevent an imminent threat to Israeli citizens.
Gallant reassured Austin that Israel is closely monitoring the situation in Beirut and remains committed to using all necessary means to protect its population. The two defense leaders also discussed the broader regional implications, underscoring the importance of preventing further escalation in the region.
