"Special situation" in Israel: Airports closed and alarms sound as conflict escalates

A “special situation” regime has been declared in Israel for 48 hours, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced.

This legal term is used in extraordinary circumstances and gives authorities expanded powers to manage the civilian population in order to strengthen defensive measures, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

Earlier, the Israeli military said it had foiled a plan by militants from the Lebanese group Hezbollah to launch a massive rocket attack on Israel. The attack could have been in response to the elimination of one of the group's leaders, Fuad Shukr.

In response, Israeli fighter jets struck about 40 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. Alarm sirens sounded in northern Israel and air defense systems were activated. Medical services were placed on high alert; one woman suffered shrapnel wounds. Ben-Gurion Airport temporarily suspended flights.

“Hezbollah confirmed that it struck Israeli military targets in response to Shukr's killing, calling it an “initial reaction.”

According to Al Arabiya, the group fired more than 100 rockets. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah earlier said,

“Our response will be deliberate and cautious. Our enemy's waiting for our response is part of his punishment.“