ISRAEL LAUNCHES PREEMPTIVE STRIKE ON IRAN; NATIONWIDE STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

The State of Israel has launched what it described as a preemptive strike against Iran in order to remove threats to the country, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced.

Katz declared an immediate nationwide special state of emergency under Israel’s Civil Defense Law, warning that a missile and drone attack against Israeli territory and its civilian population is expected in the immediate timeframe.

Air raid sirens sounded across the country in recent minutes, and the Home Front Command sent early warning alerts directly to mobile phones instructing residents to remain near protected shelters.

The Israel Defense Forces said the alert was issued proactively to prepare the public for the possibility of missile fire toward Israeli territory. The military emphasized that, at this stage, there is no requirement to remain inside shelters.

Following a security assessment, the IDF also announced that beginning Saturday at 08:00 local time, all areas of the country will move from full activity to essential activity status.

Under the updated defensive guidelines:

• All educational activities are suspended.

• Public gatherings are prohibited.

• Workplaces are closed, except for essential services.

Authorities instructed the public to follow official updates from the Home Front Command and through the National Emergency Portal and its mobile application.