Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency on Sunday morning after the Israeli military launched pre-emptive strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The emergency measure, effective from 6:00 a.m. (Israeli time) aims to empower the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to implement crucial directives, including restrictions on public gatherings and the closure of vulnerable sites.
The decision comes in response to a significant escalation of hostilities, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for firing over 320 rockets and several explosive-laden drones at northern Israel.
In a statement, Hezbollah asserted that it had targeted 11 military bases in the region, marking a severe intensification of the conflict.
The state of emergency grants the IDF the authority to issue safety instructions to the civilian population, especially in areas where the risk of attacks is high, the Defence Minister said in a statement.
"I am convinced that there is a high chance of an attack against the civilian population in areas of the country where the declaration of a special situation did not apply," Defence Minister Gallant warned, stressing the need for the nationwide emergency status.
Hezbollah's actions were described as an "initial response" to the killing of one of its top commanders, prompting Israel to engage in a series of pre-emptive strikes.
Earlier, IDF Spokesperson Daniel Hagari warned about Hezbollah's plans to attack Israeli civilians.
"We have detected preparations by the militant organisation Hezbollah to launch missiles and rockets at the State of Israel, we are attacking proactively to remove the threat," he said.
"In a self-defence act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon, from which Hezbollah was planning to launch their attacks on Israeli civilians," the IDF Spokesperson said in another video posted on social media platform X.
Complaint of Rs 68 crore fraud filed against CM Siddaramaiah in MLAs/MPs court
Adding to the woes of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, yet another private complaint has been lodged against him and others in the Special Court for MLAs/MPs in Bengaluru, alleging a fraud of over Rs 68 crore committed against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
Online trading scam: Police interrogate Assamese actress Sumi Borah
The controversial Assamese actress Sumi Borah and her husband Tarkik Borah were sent to five days of police custody and the investigating officers have been conducting marathon interrogation of the couple to unearth more details into the Rs 2,200 crore online trading scam, officials said on Friday.
Muslim scholars commend Waqf Bill, say it's beneficial for community
Muslim scholars have commended the Centre's Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which intends to overcome the shortcomings and enhance the efficiency of the administration and management of the Waqf properties, and said it will benefit the community.
Middle Eastern countries condemn Israeli attack on UN-run Gaza school
Countries in the Middle East condemned on Thursday an Israeli airstrike on a school operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza's al-Nuseirat refugee camp, which occurred on Wednesday and resulted in 18 fatalities.
Sitaram Yechury maintained effective rapport with like-minded parties: Manik Sarkar
CPI-M politburo member and former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Thursday said that party stalwart Harkishan Singh Surjeet inspired and guided Sitaram Yechury to maintain a close relationship with the like-minded and secular parties to strengthen the democratic movement against the fascists and communal forces.
Third National Lok Adalat to be held on Sep 14; 23995 cases to be disposed
Addressing a press conference here at Agartala on Thursday, the Member Secretary of the Tripura State Legal Services Authority (TSLA) Jhuma Datta Chowdhury informed that a total of 23,994 cases will be taken up for disposal in 51 benches.
US imposes sanctions on 3 Chinese companies for aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missiles programme
The US has imposed sanctions on three Chinese and one Pakistani company, as well as a Chinese citizen, for helping Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Thursday.
CM Dr Manik Saha pitches to maintain transparency in administrative levels; attends oath taking ceremony of newly elected members of West Tripura Zilla Parishad
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Thursday attended the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected members of the West Tripura Zilla Parishad here at Agartala Town Hall and urged upon the members of panchayat samiti and zilla parishad to work with sincerity and maintain transparency.