War imminent? Israel officially extends state of emergency

Municipal leaders raise alert levels amid rising regional instability.

By World Israel News Staff

The Israeli government voted Tuesday evening to extend the current state of emergency — a bureaucratic measure granting authorities special powers — until mid-May, signaling that a return to war may be on the horizon.
The vote was held at the request of Defense Minister Israel Katz, who cited ongoing regional security developments as the ceasefire with Iran appears to falter, according to a report from the Hebrew-language outlet Walla.

In late February, immediately upon the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, the Israeli government declared a state of emergency. This move allows bodies such as the Home Front Command to exercise temporary authority to make sweeping decisions, including closing schools and nonessential businesses.

For now, daily life in Israel continues as normal, with businesses and offices open and children attending schools and day care centers. However, officials caution that the situation could change at a moment’s notice.

On Monday and Tuesday, Iran repeatedly targeted the United Arab Emirates with explosive drones and ballistic missiles, escalating tensions across the region.

Shortly after the first wave of attacks, an Emirati source told CNN that the Gulf state expected the United States and Israel to strike Iran within 24 hours.

An Israeli source also told CNN that Washington and Jerusalem are preparing for a round of intense but limited strikes on Iran aimed at pressuring Tehran back to the negotiating table. Iran’s critical energy infrastructure and senior regime officials are expected to be targeted.

On Tuesday, several major Israeli cities — including Rishon LeZion — opened public shelters and dispatched inspectors to ensure the facilities are ready for use.

“There is no change in policy, but we are on full alert,” Rishon LeZion Mayor Raz Kinstlich told Ynet.

Meanwhile, Ashdod Mayor Yehiel Lasri said in a statement Tuesday morning that he had instructed municipal authorities “to raise the alert level and to increase preparedness across all municipal systems, in light of the rising tensions.”