Israel Declares State of Emergency as Iran Fires Missiles at Israel

By COLlive Reporter

Israel moved into a state of emergency on Shabbos after Iran launched missiles toward the country in response to coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets.

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a nationwide state of emergency, cautioning that further missile and drone attacks from Tehran were expected. In response, sweeping restrictions were put in place across the country.

Public gatherings were prohibited, schools were closed, and many workplaces were ordered shut. Police urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel to keep roads clear for emergency and security forces. The military instructed civilians to adhere strictly to Home Front Command directives and confirmed that tens of thousands of reservists were being mobilized, including troops assigned to reinforce Israel’s land borders.

Hospitals also initiated emergency protocols. At Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, entire departments were transferred to fortified underground facilities.

“We have transitioned to an advanced level of preparedness,” said Director General Itai Pessach. “All wards and essential services are being relocated to protected areas.”

Israel temporarily closed its airspace to civilian flights, though land crossings with Egypt and Jordan remained open, according to airport officials.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem advised American government personnel to shelter in place. A day earlier, staff had been informed they could depart the country if they chose to do so.

In Jerusalem, residents were seen stocking up on food and withdrawing cash as the sounds of missile interceptions reverberated overhead. Despite the tension, some Tel Aviv residents gathered along the Mediterranean shoreline earlier in the day, expressing confidence in Israel’s air defense systems and voicing support for the operation against Iran.

“It’s about time,” said one Tel Aviv resident walking along the promenade. “We don’t want to keep waiting for what may come.”

Israel’s advanced missile defense network intercepted many incoming projectiles, and initial reports indicated limited damage and few injuries from the first wave of Iranian fire. Nationwide alert systems directed civilians to shelters when sirens sounded.

The latest escalation follows last year’s 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran, during which more than 30 people were killed in Israel and over 900 in Iran. During that confrontation, Tel Aviv and parts of southern Israel — home to several military installations — were among the areas struck.

Security officials say the situation remains fluid as the country braces for potential additional attacks.

Missiles falling in Jerusalem