The Home Front Command issued new guidelines following the U.S. strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. "Following the situational assessment, it was determined that as of today (Sunday), at 3:45 am, immediate changes will be made to the Home Front Command instructions. As part of the changes, it was decided to shift all areas of the country from Partial and Limited Activity to Essential Activity. The instructions include: a prohibition on educational activities, gatherings, and workplaces, except for essential sectors," the IDF announced.
The new measures are in place nationwide and will remain in effect through June 30, the military said.
Updated missile alert protocol
The Home Front Command’s new alert procedure now consists of three streamlined stages:
- Ten minutes before a projected strike: a single directive will be issued instructing the public to prepare to enter protected spaces.
- Upon receiving the siren or SMS alert: civilians must enter a designated safe area immediately, based on standard time-to-shelter guidelines.
- Exit from the protected space is permitted only after receiving an official “all-clear” message.
- This system replaces the previous four-stage protocol, which included a now-canceled 15–30 minute “pre-alert” intended to maximize civilian response time.
Nationwide emergency extended
In response to the continuing threat, the Israeli government has extended emergency regulations through June 30. All in-person educational programs—including schools, universities, youth programs, and summer camps—remain suspended, with remote learning in place. High school matriculation exams have been postponed until further notice.
Businesses nationwide remain largely shuttered, with only essential services allowed to operate. Public gatherings, cultural events, and sports activities continue to be banned under Home Front Command regulations.
Sheltering instructions and readiness measures
Civilians are advised to seek shelter in the following order of priority:
- Reinforced safe rooms (Mamad, Mamak, Mamam) with sealed doors and secured windows.
- Bomb shelters are reachable within the alert time.
- Interior stairwells, avoiding top or ground floors, or interior rooms with minimal windows.
- Kitchens, bathrooms, and building entrances should be avoided due to risks from shrapnel and blast waves. In the absence of a safe room or shelter, individuals should lie flat and shield their heads.
Public shelters in urban areas have been opened, particularly in buildings lacking fortified rooms. The Israel Defense Forces have deployed around 30,000 personnel and over 50 search and rescue battalions nationwide to support civilian readiness.
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Support services for new immigrants (Olim)
To assist immigrants during the ongoing emergency, several support initiatives are active:
The Olim Emotional Aid Hotline operates from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering free, anonymous emotional and psychological support in English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Amharic. Call: *3201
The Qualita organization has opened a dedicated French-language hotline, operating Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call: 077-9727555
The Jewish Agency has opened a situation room in Jerusalem to support olim in absorption centers, visiting delegations, and emissaries serving Jewish communities abroad.
The country remains under “Red Policy 4,” the highest civilian emergency level, with strict limitations on movement and operations. Home Front Command Chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo emphasized the importance of immediate action: “Upon receiving an alert, enter the nearest safe space and remain there until you receive a clear instruction to exit. We are prepared to face this challenge together and protect the people of Israel.”
First published: 16:32, 06.16.25