Israel declares state of emergency, defence ministry says
Israel declared a state of emergency on Friday, warning of retaliatory action from Tehran after the Israelis launched a "preemptive strike" on the Islamic Republic.
"Following Israel's preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate term," a statement from the Israeli defence ministry said.
"Therefore, and in accordance with his authority under the Civil Defense Law, Defence Minister Israel Katz has now signed a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Tehran Faces Evacuation Alarm Amid Deepening Iran–Israel Confrontation
President Donald Trump has called for the immediate evacuation of Tehran, warning that Iran 'cannot have a nuclear weapon' after a series of escalating military exchanges with Israel. He issued the statement via Truth Social while attending the G7 summit in Canada, then departed early to convene his national security team. The growing hostilities, now entering a fifth day, have provoked market turbulence, prompted military deployments, and triggered widespread concern among global leaders. Israel has intensified airstrikes across Iran, targeting high-value military and nuclear facilities including Natanz, Fordow, state-run media headquarters, Revolutionary Guard command centres, missile launchers, gas infrastructure, and Tehran's television broadcaster. Strikes have killed dozens of senior IRGC commanders and scientists and reportedly neutralised F‑14 fighter jets at Tehran airport. Officials claim control of Tehran's airspace and assert the dismantling of over 120 missile launch systems. Iran has retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles and drones launched into Israeli territory, with sirens sounding in Tel Aviv; at least 24 civilians have died on the Israeli side so far. Trump's evacuation message—urging 'everyone' to leave Tehran—coincided with Israel's own civilian warnings covering central parts of the capital, including state media and hospital zones, affecting roughly 330,000 residents. The social media alarm triggered mass movements out of Tehran and across highways to northern provinces, even as Iranian authorities called the strikes 'terrorist acts' and reinforced internet controls to manage civil unrest. ADVERTISEMENT The United States has responded by repositioning military assets: the Pentagon has dispatched tanker and transport aircraft to Europe, rerouted the USS Nimitz carrier group to the region, and activated missile defence systems such as Patriot and THAAD. Washington maintains these are defensive moves aimed at shielding American interests, with no current plans for offensive operations. President Trump, supportive of Israel yet reportedly opposing an assassination plot against Iran's Supreme Leader, continues to press for a renewed nuclear deal while condemning Tehran's enrichment programme. Global economic markets quickly reacted: West Texas Intermediate crude surged almost 2.7%, while Brent crude climbed 2.2%, though both later tapered to modest gains amid fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. stock futures experienced a downward shift as geopolitical uncertainty escalated. International diplomacy is now in overdrive. G7 leaders have reaffirmed Israel's right to self‑defence and emphasised the importance of preventing Iran from gaining nuclear capacity, though Trump declined to endorse a collective statement calling for restraint. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the U.S. has proposed a ceasefire and broader negotiations, conveying optimism that de‑escalation could be achieved. Meanwhile, Gulf states Oman and Qatar are acting as mediators, facilitating discussions. Tehran has indicated openness to dialogue—with Iran's foreign minister urging Israel to cease hostilities before any engagement. In the U.S., congressional concern is mounting over unchecked executive military authority. Senators Tim Kaine and Representative Thomas Massie are advancing legislation to reinstate Congressional oversight over future conflict decisions. Iran has threatened to exit the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty if attacks continue, though it maintains it does not seek nuclear weapons. On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Netanyahu has framed the operation—including 'Operation Rising Lion'—as essential to neutralising Tehran's nuclear and missile capability, citing biblical inspiration and the defence of global stability. He insists the aim is regime threat neutralisation rather than regime change, despite acknowledging Israel's strikes might eventually topple the Iranian government. ADVERTISEMENT Humanitarian concerns are mounting as Iran's health system struggles to cope. Over 224 fatalities—predominantly civilians—have been reported in Iran, along with hundreds of injuries. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with the Iranian Red Crescent deploying mobile medical units to crowded evacuation routes. UN officials caution that unless action is taken, the region risks descending into one of the most serious humanitarian crises in recent years. Tehran's partial exodus, described as the '2025 Iranian exodus from Tehran,' has seen more than 100,000 residents relocate, exacerbating infrastructure pressure in adjoining provinces. Traffic congestion, fuel shortages, and internet blackouts have complicated evacuation efforts. The Israel–Iran confrontation has now entered a critical phase, with no signs of immediate de-escalation. Trump's public alarm and prompt departure from the G7 summit underscore U.S. commitment to thwarting Iranian nuclear ambitions—but also fuel fears of further escalation. As military and diplomatic lines are drawn, global attention focuses on whether ceasefire overtures, mediated discussions, and Congressional checks on executive power can restore a fragile equilibrium in this volatile standoff.
Arabian Post
2 hours ago
- Arabian Post
GCC Raises Alarms Over Expanding Israel‑Iran Conflict
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gulf states have entered a heightened state of alert amid intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, as regional leaders warn the confrontation risks dragging the Gulf into a wider, destabilising war. Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council convened an emergency ministers' meeting chaired by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al‑Yahya, with Secretary‑General Jassim Al‑Budaiwi declaring the situation had deteriorated into 'extremely dangerous and unprecedented escalation,' and entering 'full alert' mode to monitor environmental and radiological conditions across member states. He emphasised that continued military strikes, particularly near nuclear sites, would threaten regional infrastructure, health and economies. ADVERTISEMENT Gulf diplomats have condemned the Israeli bombardment of Iranian territory and called on all parties to halt operations and return to dialogue. The council's Emergency Management Centre is implementing precautionary measures across environmental and radiological sectors, reflecting concern over inbound radiological fallout. Analysts from the Gulf warn that the strategic vulnerability of Gulf waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al‑Mandab makes the region highly exposed to spill‑over from the Iran‑Israel clash. S&P Global Ratings has revised its assessment of regional sovereign risk higher, citing threats to oil exports, transport routes, tourism, capital flows and banking sector resilience in Gulf countries. Commentators such as Abdulaziz Sager of the Gulf Research Center caution Gulf states are risking sovereignty, infrastructure and public trust unless the conflict is diplomatically defused. He urged activation of regional mediation channels to prevent Gulf countries from being drawn into military exchanges. Gulf economists emphasise the economic ramifications: disruptions to global supply chains, escalated insurance costs, rising oil prices and capital flight could erode financial stability. While banks have adequate buffers, prolonged conflict could dent business confidence and growth across Gulf economies. Diplomatic efforts are also underway within the Gulf. Oman and Qatar are spearheading ceasefire talks between Tehran and Washington as a pathway to stabilisation, with Iran open to rejoining nuclear discussions should Israeli strikes cease. Gulf leaders are leveraging their neutrality and communication channels with both Israel and Iran to broker a pause in hostilities. Within Gulf societies, governments are working to reassure citizens. Public communications in Qatar confirm that radiation levels remain within safe thresholds, while Kuwait's military affirms that missile trajectories affecting Iran and Israel pose no risk to its airspace. The reaction within Iran's sphere of influence appears measured. Unlike prior incidents, allied non‑state actors such as Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthis have yet to launch retaliatory strikes, suggesting Iran is tempering its response amid Gulf diplomatic pressure. US diplomacy remains a complex factor. Washington has escalated military readiness by dispatching aerial refuelling assets and an aircraft carrier strike group to the region, yet has stopped short of intervening directly. President Trump has verbalised support for diplomatic channels and warned against Iran acquiring nuclear arms, while signalling that Iran had expressed willingness to end hostilities. Gulf monarchies are striving to balance neutrality and economic stability. They maintain diplomatic ties with both Iran and Israel while amplifying calls for restraint. Experts caution that escalatory miscalculations could shatter this delicate equilibrium, potentially sparking wider engagement and drawing Gulf states into direct confrontation.
Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Gulf Today
VIDEO: Iran launches new salvo of missiles aimed at Israel
Iranian state media announced a new barrage of missiles targeting Israel on Monday night, as the two countries exchanged major strikes for a fourth day. "A new salvo of missiles against the occupied territories (Israel) is beginning," state TV reported. The Iranian Red Crescent said Monday that three of its rescuers were killed by an Israeli air strike in northwest Tehran. "This incident is not only a crime against international humanitarian law but also a blatant attack on humanity and morality," the organisation said in a statement, adding that the three workers were aiding the wounded in the capital's Shahid Bagheri district. The United States is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East to enhance its "defensive posture," Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said Monday, as arch-rivals Iran and Israel ramp up their deadly conflict. "Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility," Hegseth posted on X. "Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region." The United States is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East to enhance its "defensive posture," Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth said Monday, as arch-rivals Iran and Israel ramp up their deadly conflict. "Over the weekend, I directed the deployment of additional capabilities to the United States Central Command Area of Responsibility," Hegseth posted on X. "Protecting US forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region."
