Amid fears of escalation: special home front situation to be extended until October 6

The government is expected to approve the extension of the special home front situation until October 6, against the backdrop of the defense establishment's assessment that a real threat of an attack on the civilian home front still exists. The declaration has been in effect continuously since the end of February and grants the Home Front Command special powers. At this stage, there are no unusual instructions for the public.

The government is expected to approve today (Tuesday) via a telephone vote the extension of the declaration of a special situation in the home front across the entire country, until October 6. The move is being promoted at the initiative of the Defense Minister, against the backdrop of the defense establishment's assessment that a real threat of an attack on the civilian home front still exists due to instability vis-à-vis Iran and Lebanon. The proposal was submitted for ministerial approval in an expedited process, after Government Secretary Yossi Fuchs asked cabinet members to approve it promptly. The current declaration's validity expires tomorrow, and its continued application will also require the approval of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. The legal opinion attached to the proposal noted that this is a continuous extension of the declaration since February 28, so if the current extension is approved, the special home front situation will last more than seven months. However, the legal advisers determined that there is no legal impediment to extending the declaration given the security need. By virtue of the declaration, the Home Front Command is authorized to impose various restrictions if necessary, including a requirement to stay in shelters, restrictions on educational activities, and additional instructions for public protection. At this stage, there are no special instructions or activity restrictions for the public. The original declaration was imposed with the opening of Operation "Roar of the Lion" against Iran at the end of February, and has since been extended several times. The defense establishment notes that despite the ceasefires declared later, the uncertainty vis-à-vis Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen continues.