Risk of new strike remains high: Israel to extend special regime

Israel is expected to extend the special situation on the home front until September 8 due to the ongoing threat from Iran and Hezbollah. A draft decision by the defense minister suggests that the likelihood of a new attack remains high. The regime, introduced on February 28, has been extended several times; the current term expires on August 11. The extension will grant the IDF expanded powers.

Israel is expected to extend the special situation on the home front for nearly a month, until September 8. The government is to approve maintaining the regime across the country amid continued tensions around Iran and Lebanon. According to a draft decision submitted by the defense minister, the security establishment still considers the probability of a new attack on Israel high. After government approval, the extension must be ratified by the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee. The special regime was introduced on February 28 following the start of the military operation against Iran and expectations of a large-scale retaliatory strike. On the same day, dozens of rockets were fired at Israel, and a few days later Hezbollah joined the shelling. Since then, the regime has been extended several times. The current term expires on August 11, but the defense establishment believes there are no grounds for cancellation. The document notes uncertainty regarding the durability of the ceasefire with Iran after subsequent rocket attacks and IDF responses. On the northern front, Hezbollah continues to violate the ceasefire, and the confrontation is not effectively over. The extension grants the IDF and the Home Front Command expanded powers: to impose restrictions, require staying in protected areas, and change rules of conduct. There are no new movement restrictions. The next assessment of the situation is after September 8.