"High probability of an attack": The special situation in the home front will be extended
Ministers will approve the validity of the guidelines until August 11 against the backdrop of "uncertainty" in the Iranian arena. In Israel, preparations were made overnight for a significant US attack that would lead to an escalation, but it did not occur.
The government will approve tomorrow, Sunday, the extension of the special situation in the home front until August 11. This comes against the backdrop of maximum alertness for an escalation with Iran, and after a significant American attack that was expected in Israel was postponed.
In the draft decision it is written: "In the shadow of the ongoing uncertainty in the Iranian arena and the localized clashes on the northern front against Hezbollah, the government is expected to approve the extension of the declaration of a 'special situation in the home front' throughout the country. In the security establishment they clarify: despite the decrease in the intensity of direct exchanges of blows in the recent period, the situation assessment indicates that the probability of fire or an additional attack on the civilian space remains high."
What is a special situation in the home front?
A special situation in the home front is a legal status declared by the Minister of Defense (and with the approval of the government and the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee) in accordance with the Civil Defense Law, when there is a high probability of an attack on the civilian population.
During the validity of the situation, security agencies — and primarily the Home Front Command — are granted broad powers that deviate from the standard legal routine, with the aim of protecting life and property. These powers include, among other things, an order regarding the obligation to stay in protected spaces, limiting the opening of educational institutions, prohibiting or restricting gatherings, and more.
The attack that did not happen
In Israel, it was expected that a significant American attack would take place that would lead to an escalation over the weekend, but after 13 consecutive nights, the Americans did not carry out bombings against Iranian targets.
US President Donald Trump met last night with advisors and senior cabinet members to decide whether to intensify the military attack against Iran, as reported by The New York Times.
Donald Trump, who is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week, addressed the tensions with Iran:
"There is a military option, to take down everything they have, and there is a smarter strategy and that is to make a deal. They want to, but they are not ready yet."
"You can continue to do what you are doing and take them apart piece by piece, you can do it faster, or you can negotiate as you are doing now. They are talking to them right at these moments, they are ready to do things they were never ready to do." Furthermore, Donald Trump noted: "Maybe they will surrender or just give up, or run to the caves and hide."
