Home Front Emergency Status Extended Through End of June Despite Iran Deal

The Israeli government said on Monday that it is extending the special emergency status on the home front until June 30, despite the overnight agreement between the United States and Iran. The decision was approved in a telephone vote and gives the government legal authority to keep imposing restrictions on civilians.

In its resolution, the government said the extension is necessary because of “uncertainty” about the Iranian arena. It cited continued fire from Lebanon, renewed fire from Iran, and uncertainty about developments in Iran, saying security officials still assess there is a high probability of an attack on the civilian population.

After last night’s strike in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, which drew direct threats from Iran and criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, the Home Front Command tightened civilian defense instructions amid preparations for possible Iranian missile launches. Those instructions remain in force until 8:00 p.m. today.

Under the updated guidelines, normal activity is allowed across the country, but public gatherings are capped at 5,000 people. Major concerts by Omer Adam and Eyal Golan, which had been scheduled in central Israel, were canceled.