Israel Declares 48-Hour Emergency Amid Rising Tensions with Lebanon

Israel declared a 48-hour emergency after escalating tensions with Lebanon. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant made the announcement, empowering the IDF Home Front Command to impose restrictions. As warnings go out to Lebanese citizens, Israel braces for potential Hezbollah attacks. The situation follows a high-profile Hamas leader's assassination.

Israel has declared a 48-hour emergency as tensions with Lebanon continue to escalate, reports The Times of Israel. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant made the announcement, designating a 'special situation in the home front' that allows the IDF Home Front Command to issue restrictions to protect civilians.

The 'special situation' status grants authorities greater control over the civilian population during emergencies, to facilitate protection measures. It is valid for 48 hours unless extended by cabinet ministers. With rising tensions, Israeli citizens are on high alert, preparing for possible incidents.

Earlier in the day, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari warned Lebanese citizens in southern Lebanon of potential Israeli retaliatory attacks following Hezbollah strikes. 'Hezbollah is preparing to launch extensive attacks into Israeli territory near your homes,' Hagari said in a press conference. 'You are in danger. Stay away from areas where Hezbollah operates.'

He cautioned that Hezbollah may soon launch rockets, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles towards Israel. 'Life-saving instructions from the Home Front Command will be disseminated across various regions,' Hagari added. 'The IDF will take all necessary measures to safeguard Israeli citizens.'

The emergency follows the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, resulting in threats of retaliation from Iran. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for Haniyeh's death but had previously threatened to eliminate him and other senior Hamas figures for their roles in the October 7 terrorist attacks.

The situation in West Asia intensified after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on July 31 that Haniyeh had been killed in Tehran. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)