Israel Extends Emergency Measures Amid Warning of "High Likelihood" of Attack

The Israeli government approved on Sunday, in a telephone vote, Defense Minister Israel Katz's proposal to extend the special state of emergency on the home front through July 28. The decision followed a recommendation from security officials to keep in place the special authorities granted to the defense establishment and the Home Front Command.

In a government statement, officials said the extension was approved "following the assessment of security officials that there is still justification for leaving in the hands of the defense establishment and the Home Front Command the authorities required to deal with the security threats."

The defense establishment also warned that the threat to Israel's home front remains significant. "According to their assessment," the statement said, "there is still a high likelihood that an attack on the civilian population will take place."

The extension allows the government and the defense establishment to retain broad emergency powers designed to protect lives and property. These authorities include the ability to instruct residents to remain in their homes or shelters, restrict access to certain areas, limit the operation of workplaces, and impose restrictions on educational institutions.

In addition, employees who are unable to report to work because of official security directives will continue to be protected from dismissal.