Israel declares 48-hour state of emergency
A view shows smoke and fire on the Lebanese side of the border with Israel, after Israel said it carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, as seen from Tyre, southern Lebanon, on August 25, 2024. (Reuters Photo)
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency starting at 6:00 a.m. (0300 GMT) on Sunday, following what the Israeli military described as pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon.
“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 a.m.,” Gallant stated.
Emergency status valid for 48 hours
The emergency declaration empowers the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to issue instructions to the public, including limiting gatherings and closing sites deemed at risk.
In a statement released by his office, Gallant emphasized the heightened probability of attacks against civilian populations in areas previously unaffected by local emergency measures.
Israel’s Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said: “Together with the Prime Minister in Karia – we are closely monitoring the IDF actions being taken to remove the various threats.”
This emergency status is valid for 48 hours unless extended by the Israeli cabinet ministers.
The public is advised to follow the instructions issued by the IDF Home Front Command during this period.
Coordination with US Defense Secretary
In a separate statement, the Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed Gallant briefed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on the situation.
Gallant reassured Austin that Israel’s actions were aimed at thwarting imminent threats against its citizens.
“We have conducted precise strikes in Lebanon in order to thwart an imminent threat against the citizens of Israel,” Gallant informed Austin, adding that Israel is closely monitoring developments in Beirut.
Israeli Foreign Minister Katz’s statement
“This morning, I sent a direct message to dozens of foreign ministers worldwide, urging them to support Israel against the Iranian axis of evil and its proxies, led by Hezbollah,” Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz.
I informed them that Israel acted after definitively identifying a large-scale planned attack of missiles and drones by the Hezbollah terrorist organization against targets in Israel, and we delivered a preemptive strike to prevent the assault and protect Israeli citizens and territory.
Israel is confronting the axis of evil led by Iran, which has the explicit aim of destroying Israel. We do not seek a full-scale war – but we will do whatever it takes to protect our citizens.
Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz
Netanyahu’s statement about the issue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the start of the Security Cabinet Meeting: “This morning we identified Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel. In consensus with the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief-of-Staff, we directed the IDF to initiate action to eliminate the threat.”
“Since then, the IDF has been taking strong action to foil the threats. It has eliminated thousands of rockets that were aimed at northern Israel. It is thwarting many other threats and is taking very strong action – both defensively and offensively,” Netanyahu added.
“I request that you adhere to the directives from IDF Home Front Command. We are determined to do everything to defend our country, to return the residents of the north securely to their homes and to continue upholding a simple rule: Whoever harms us – we will harm them,” the Israeli premier concluded.
