Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide State of Emergency from 06:00 am Sunday (August 25, 2024), after the Israeli military launched what it called pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon.

“The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF (Israeli military) to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant,” Gallant said, in a statement issued by his office.

Lebanon-based Hezbollah announced on Sunday large-scale rocket and drone launches towards Israel in an “initial response” to a top commander’s killing, after Israel’s military said it was carrying out a series of pre-emptive strikes against the group.