Defense Minister to announce emergency protocol in south

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon said after a meeting with the defense establishment's top echelon that he is going to announce an emergency protocol in communities and councils within 40km (about 25 miles) from the Gaza strip border. "We are preparing for a battle with Hamas that will not end in a couple of days," said Ya'alon.

The meaning of this announcement concerns primarily with economic relief for residents and business owners in those areas, providing IDF with various authorities in civilian areas and operating "emergency economy".